..::Football III::..

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Chelsea suspend three fans after Paris Metro incident

Chelsea have suspended three fans from attending Stamford Bridge for their involvement in a racist incident on the Paris Metro prior to the club's Champions League last-16 clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

A statement read: "Chelsea Football Club is suspending three people from Stamford Bridge as a result of investigations into the incident on the Paris Metro on Tuesday evening.

"If it is deemed there is sufficient evidence of their involvement in the incident, the club will issue banning orders for life.

"We have received substantial information to date following our witness appeal and we are grateful to the many Chelsea supporters who have provided information so far.

"Our investigations are on-going and we would request any further information is sent to [email protected].

"We also continue to cooperate fully with the Metropolitan and Paris police forces who lead the ongoing criminal investigation."

 

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'I regret nasty Southampton exit,' admits Liverpool ace Lallana

Adam Lallana says he regrets the way in which his move from Southampton to Liverpool last summer "got nasty".

The England midfielder came through the famed Saints academy and went on to become club captain, playing a key role in their rise from League One to the Premier League.

His performances in 2013-14 led to interest from Brendan Rodgers' side and a long and much-publicised pursuit eventually brought reward for the Reds in July, with the midfielder completing a £25 million (€34m) move, though he insists he never went on strike despite doing everything in his power to force through a move.

Lallana even took out a full page in the local newspaper after his exit to thank Southampton fans for their support during his time at the club, but he is not expecting a warm welcome when he takes to the field at St Mary's this weekend, and admits he feels remorse for the way in which his move to Anfield was completed.

He told BBC Radio Solent: "I'm not stupid enough to think the way I left didn't leave a sour taste in a few people's mouths. I regret the way I left. I regret bits and pieces of how it happened and it got nasty. It was sad the way it happened.

"What is true is that when I knew of Liverpool's interest and that they had put a bid in, I did say to the club it would be my wish if they could negotiate a fee for me to move on.

"Not for one second did I say I wouldn't play for the club again. I'm man enough to say it was my choice and my decision for me to move on.

"Deep down I hope Saints fans appreciate the times we had at the club together. Football is a fickle game - if I do get the jeers and the boos I'm just going to take it as them missing me playing down there because I miss Southampton.

"I miss the fans and I miss the good times we had down there. Of course I do."

Southampton sit fourth, four points ahead of Liverpool, and will be seeking revenge for their opening day loss at Anfield.

 

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Raul nets penalty on New York Cosmos debut

Raul made his New York Cosmos debut in a friendly with South China in Hong Kong on Wednesday, netting a penalty in a 4-2 shootout success for the American outfit.

The Real Madrid icon, who announced last October that he was coming out of retirement to move to the United States, played all 90 minutes of the pre-season clash, which ended 2-2 before being decided by spot-kicks.

Raul, who spoke exclusively to Goal about his US adventure this week, converted his penalty with characteristic composure but Cosmos boss Giovanni Savarese was more impressed with the 37-year-old's fitness and leadership skills."He worked hard during the game and showed what an intelligent player he is, bringing motivation and his excellent experience to the team," he stated.

Sebastian Guenzetti, who was on target during normal time in Hong Kong, added that it was a privilege to play alongside Raul.“I'm trying to learn as much as I can from him,” Guenzatti said. “I try to be like a sponge because he has won everything. He’s a great guy and a great person.”

Raul became Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer and record appearance-maker during a successful 16-year stint with the Santiago Bernabeu side.

 

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Rooney: Scholes and Ronaldo the best I've played alongside

Wayne Rooney says that Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo are the best players he has ever played alongside.

The Manchester United captain and Scholes were involved in a public spat earlier this season, after the former midfielder issued a damning assessment of the 29-year-old’s form in a column for Paddy Power.

“There’s a chance he’s worn out,” Scholes wrote. “Wayne’s peak may have been a lot younger than what we’d expect of footballers traditionally.”

Rooney hit back by claiming that he was “not interested” in Scholes’ assessment, while questioning his qualifications, but he has now praised the 40-year-old, picking him alongside Ballon d’Or holder Ronaldo as the best player he has worked with.

“There’s been so many,” said Rooney during a Q&A session. “I can tell you two. Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes.

“Those two, for different reasons, have been fantastic.”

Ronaldo won the Champions League and three Premier League titles, as well as the FA Cup and the Uefa Super Cup, at United, and also won the first of his two Ballon d’Or’s at Old Trafford.

Scholes is one of the most decorated players in the history of English football and has won 11 Premier League titles, as well as three FA Cups, two Champions League winners’ medals and two League Cups.

 

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Boost for Bayern as Thiago Alcantara returns to training

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has taken another significant step on the road to recovery from a serious knee injury, after returning to "light training" on Thursday.

The Spain international missed the end of 2013-14 season after suffering ligament damage in a Bundesliga game against Hoffenheim on March 29 of last year.Thiago had hoped to make his return to action during the first half of the current campaign but he suffered a setback last October that necessitated surgery.

However, Thiago is edging ever closer to a long-awaited comeback, after returning to Germany on Wednesday and then enjoying a run-out with his team-mates the following morning."In the sunshine and with high spirits, Thiago recorded his rehab training in Munich on Thursday," a statement on Bayern's website explained.

"One day after his return to Sabener Strasse, the Spaniard completed a good hour-long run on the grass and sweated further in the Performance Centre."On Thursday, Thiago took to Twitter to thank those who have stood by him during his injury nightmare.

"Thanks to all of you that have helped me in these last few months," he wrote.
Thiago joined Bayern from Barcelona in the summer of 2013, for a fee of €25 million, and the midfielder still has two years to run on his current contract with the Bavarians.

 

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Kroos: Ronaldo wrong to host party after derby debacle

Toni Kroos believes Cristiano Ronaldo was wrong to host a party just hours after Real Madrid 's humiliating derby defeat, revealing that he did not attend the event because he knew it was going to cause controversy.

The Liga leaders were routed 4-0 by their city rivals at the Vicente Calderon on February 7, a defeat which allowed second-placed Barcelona to close to within a point of Los Blancos.

Despite the devastating nature of the defeat, Ronaldo decided to go ahead with his 30th birthday celebrations and pictures of the Portuguese and some of his team-mates enjoying themselves were subsequently published in the press.

The party allegedly divided the Madrid dressing room, while some supporters reacted angrily to the leaked images, with two fans going so far as to descend upon the club's training complex and unfurl a banner that read: "Your laughter, our shame."

Kroos has now admitted that he was not in the least bit surprised by the backlash, confessing that he always felt that the celebration was a bad idea."I was invited to Cristiano's party but I didn't go because I knew what might happen," the Germany international told ZDF.

"It wasn't the time to have a party after losing 4-0 to Atletico. But a lot of people were invited and it wasn't easy to cancel it."However, despite the furore created by the event, and Madrid's perceived hangover in last Saturday's 2-0 win over Deportivo, Kroos insists that talk of a dip in form was premature in the extreme.

"The 'crisis' was losing just one match," the midfielder said after Wednesday's Champions League win at Schalke. "Lots of people would like to have a crisis like that!"But we didn't play as we should have done [against Atletico] and the criticism was justified."

Carlo Ancelotti's men will be hoping to make it three wins in a row following their derby debacle when they face Elche away this weekend.

 

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Tevez crucial for Juventus, admits Allegri

Massimiliano Allegri has admitted Carlos Tevez is vital to Juventus but feels they should still be winning games without their star man.The Argentina international has been in sublime form for the Serie A champions in 2014-15, netting 14 goals in 21 league outings so far this term.

Tevez missed last weekend's 2-2 draw with Cesena due to suspension, but Allegri is confident he will play a key role for Juve as the season enters its decisive stages.

"Tevez is a crucial player for us, but we should have been able to win without him in Cesena," Allegri said at a press conference ahead of the match versus Atalanta.
"The group takes responsibility for what happened in Cesena. It needs to serve as a lesson for us."Tevez is ready for the final sprint."

Allegri then went on to stress that the Serie A title race is not over just yet irrespective of the reigning champions' seven-point lead over second-placed Roma and has urged his men to remain focused as Atalanta await on Friday."Yes, we have a lead over Roma, but there are still plenty of games to go. Friday's three points are very important.

"We've already dropped a lot of points in the league."Atalanta have a good squad and they're not an easy side to face. But it all depends how we play and the intensity we show."

 

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Messi: I had a lot of problems in 2014

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has admitted problems "on and off the pitch" affected his performances in 2014.

The 27-year-old still managed to score 41 goals in 46 games in all competitions last term, but failed his own incredibly high standards as Barca ended the season
without a thophy.Messi has now acknowledged that injuries and his tax case hurt his form last campaign and he is desperate to show his true self again in 2015.

"The truth is that this year I tried to get to my best form as quickly as possible. I knew I was coming off the back of a not very good year, during which I went through a lot of problems on and off the field," the Argentina international told Mundo Leo.

"It was a challenge to change the image that I had given out last season and to be the player I had been in previous seasons again. That was my objective and that's how I came out at the start of this season, really up for it."

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner then went on to discuss Barcelona's form in 2014-15 and their upcoming Champions League tie with Manchester City, stressing the English champions will not be pushovers.

"The truth is that we're in good shape at the moment. Luckily, after the match against Real Sociedad everything changed. Now there is a different dynamic to the team, everything we do comes off.

"The team has a lot of confidence and we have changed the attitude and drive. That's why we're playing like we are at the moment, but there is still a long way to go."Manchester City they are a team made up of great players, so it will be a difficult tie. Their objective is to go through because they haven't done for a while.

"It will be an even match-up and the little details will be what makes the difference. It will be a great game. City have reinforced a lot [since last season]."The first leg of the round-of-16 tie takes place in Manchester on February 24, with the return at Camp Nou scheduled for March 18.

 

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I like Bony, I'm staying at City - Dzeko dismisses exit talk

Edin Dzeko insists his future lies at Manchester City despite the January arrival of Wilfried Bony.

The Premier League champions paid €36 million to sign the Ivorian striker from Swansea City, and Goal understands the future of the Bosnian, along with Stevan Jovetic, at the Etihad Stadium is in doubt.

Dzeko's agent has previously spoken of a desire to move to Juventus or Atletico Madrid, but the striker is not interested in leaving the club.

"Every summer and winter I'm constantly linked with leaving City and I have been here for years now," he told Patria. "I will not comment on speculation, because if I did I would have to spend all day doing it.

"I've said before and I will it say again, I am only focused on Manchester City and the national team. I am not interested in other speculation, it's not worth bothering with.
"City is a team who wants to win as many trophies as possible so it is quite normal to have a big squad with new signings.

"I really like Bony because I know him from the Premier League, but we all have a place in the team. We will all get a chance to prove ourselves in the remaining games of the season."

City are currently seven points behind Chelsea in the Premier League as they look to retain their title, but Dzeko is confident the squad are capable of ousting Jose Mourinho's side from top spot.

"Our main goal is to retain the Premier League title. We were knocked out of the FA Cup, which was not in the plan, but we can overtake Chelsea because we are one of the best teams in England."

City face Barcelona in the Champions League last 16, the side which knocked them out at the same stage last season, but Dzeko insists they are capable of inflicting revenge on the Catalans.

"I think we learned a lot from the two games against them last season. We were not outplayed - we conceded a goal in the final minutes in the first leg, and in the second we were a man down," he said.

"Barcelona is a great team and are more experienced in the Champions League than us but I believe we have the strength to beat them."

 

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Racist Chelsea fans must be locked up, says victim

The Paris resident racially abused by Chelsea fans on a metro ahead of their Champions League encounter with Paris Saint-Germain has urged authorities to punish the perpetrators.

Souleymane S. was denied entrance to a metro carriage and subjected to racist chants at the Richelieu-Drouot metro station by a number of Blues supporters and he has made it clear he will file charges against the people involved.

"I did not know that the incident was being filmed. The fact that people are now talking about it has given me the courage to complain to the police. These people, these English fans, must be located, punished and locked up for what they did. This should not go unpunished," Souleymane told Le Parisien.

"I wanted to get into the carriage, but a group of English fans blocked me and pushed me away. I lost my phone in the scramble. They were shouting at me in English, but I didn't really understand them because I don't speak English.

"But I realised they were Chelsea fans and that it was connected to the PSG game. I also understood they were attacking me because of the colour of my skin. I was not really surprised by it. I live with racism, although it was the first time it happened in the metro.

"I stayed in front of those fans for a long time. Someone told me that I had been brave to resist them. I think it all lasted for six or seven minutes. At some point, the RATP (public transport operator) intervened, but only to ensure there would not be any fighting and that the metro could run as scheduled. Nobody defended me, but what could they have done.

"I just waited for the next metro to arrive. I did not talk about it with my wife and children. Should I tell them that their dad was being pushed and shoved in the subway because he is black. This is useless..."

Chelsea have strongly condemned Tuesday's events and have asked any witnesses to get in touch with the club in order to track down and punish the fans involved.

 

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I want to move to England - Howedes

Benedikt Howedes has admitted he wants to join a Premier League team if he leaves Schalke.

The World Cup-winning defender, who Goal understands was scouted by Manchester United earlier this season, insists he is not looking to force a move away from Roberto Di Matteo's side soon but is attracted to English football.

He told reporters: "If I am to leave Schalke one day, I do not want to move clubs within the Bundesliga.

"Schalke is too close to my heart to do so. But a move abroad at a certain time would be worth an experience. England would be my goal."

Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford as Louis van Gaal looks to bolster his defence, but the 20-year-old is happy to continue his development at the San Mames Stadium.

"Here there are many people of experience and I'm learning a lot from them," he told AS.

"I have played a lot of games and I want to continue to do what I'm doing."

 

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Howedes wa Manchester United ganna puluwan unoth patta​

 

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I won't change my style - Bale

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has insisted he has not changed his playing style despite receiving criticism from some Madrid supporters after not passing to Cristiano Ronaldo in a Liga game last month.

The Welshman was jeered during the Santiago Bernabeu side's 3-0 win over Espanyol when he went for goal himself rather than pass to his Portuguese team-mate.

Having received backing from Ronaldo and head coach Carlo Ancelotti, Bale has made it clear he has not altered anything in the wake of his side's 2-0 Champions League win over Schalke at the Veltins Arena on Wednesday. "I haven't really adapted my style of play," the former Tottenham star told Sky Sports.

"In certain games, if a sight of goal has opened up I’ll take it. But [against Schalke] I think my team-mates were in better positions and I tried to play the ball around."
Ronaldo was on target in Madrid's 2-0 win, with Marcelo adding the second to give the defending European champions a commanding lead in the last-16 tie.

It forms part of a strong recovery following the club's 4-0 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid earlier this month and Bale was delighted with their response."We're relieved and over the Atletico result."It wasn't a great result for us but we've bounced back with two wins on the trot and hopefully there will be another one at the weekend and in the return leg.

"We know it’s going to be difficult to retain the Champions League - it was difficult winning it last year. All we can do is take each game as it comes and hope we're the champions at the end.

"We're playing with confidence and we're enjoying our football and when we do that we play our best football. Hopefully we can keep that going."

 

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Emery: Gladbach shut-out vital to Sevilla hopes

Unai Emery is relieved at Sevilla having prevented Borussia Monchengladbach from scoring a crucial away goal as the Europa League holders won their last-32 first leg 1-0 on Thursday.

The hosts, who won the tournament after a number of gritty knockout ties last season, weathered a storm of Gladbach opportunities in the first two-thirds of the match before Vicente Iborra bagged the winner with 20 minutes to go.

Emery pointed out Gladbach's lofty Bundesliga position as evidence of the visitors' quality and emphasised how much of a struggle it was to prevent them from scoring at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

"Borussia are a top team," the Sevilla coach told reporters. "It's not an accident that they are third in the Bundesliga.

"The match was hard on us, but they couldn't score an away goal and that's so important. We need this good result in our stadium. The team's grown and we have to keep growing as Europe is such a challenge."Gladbach boss Lucien Favre, on the other hand, rued the profligacy that his team displayed in Spain and is hoping that they can turn the tie around next Thursday in their home leg.

"We saw a good match, with high pace from both teams, which was demonstrated by the fact that some players struggled to play all 90 minutes due to cramp problems," the coach said.

"There were phases in which we controlled the match. We created chances but we didn't score from them. This result gives Sevilla an important advantage. One-nil is a good result for them, although we'll see what happens in Germany."

 

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'Perfect result' transcends Balotelli penalty squabble - Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says that a "perfect result" is more important than a squabble over Mario Balotelli taking the winning penalty in a 1-0 victory over Besiktas.

Balotelli took the ball off stand-in captain Jordan Henderson to bury a spot kick in the closing stages at Anfield, a change to squad rules criticised on television by injured skipper Steven Gerrard.

But Rodgers was keen to focus on the victory rather than debating the taker.

"We won the game," he told the press. "We got the win, which is the most important factor. I have a number of outstanding penalty takers with Jordan and Mario and Rickie Lambert. You see the spirit in the team and to get the win was excellent."

Asked to clarify who the designated taker was, Rodgers replied: "I am clarifying we won the game 1-0."

Rodgers was full of praise for Jordon Ibe, who was excellent throughout, but denied that the 19-year-old was close to signing a new deal.

"You have seen the kid's performances since he has come back from loan," the manager enthused. "He has played in big games and given big performances. He is a real threat every time he gets the ball. Not only that, he works very hard every time he gets the ball. But, no, there is nothing on a new contract."

Having been comfortable defensively for much of the evening, Rodgers was keen to give credit to the organisation and defensive solidity that his side showed.

He continued: "It was an excellent result and performance and it was always going to be a tight game. I believe Besiktas have scored in every away game so it shows our defensive organisation [that] we kept a clean sheet.

"Simon [Mignolet] had an outstanding save in the first half. We created chances and moved the ball quicker in the second half. It's a perfect result and sets us up for the second leg next week."

Besiktas coach Slaven Bilic, a former Everton player, was magnanimous in defeat, suggesting that Liverpool were deserved winners, but warned that the tie is far from over.

"It was brilliant atmosphere," he said. "Of course, when you concede a late penalty, you are gutted and, from our point of view, it wouldn't be unfair if it finished 0-0 or 1-1. We deserved a bit more but, from their side, they deserved maybe the one goal."

 

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Inter got complacent against Celtic - Mancini

Inter head coach Roberto Mancini has confessed he was frustrated to see his side held 3-3 by Celtic in their Europa League last-32 first-leg clash in Glasgow.

The Italians raced into a two-goal lead in the early stages but were pegged back by the hosts before half an hour was played, and although Rodrigo Palacio added a third for the visitors just before the break, a stoppage-time strike from John Guidetti levelled the tie."Being two goals up and then 3-2 up, then drawing the game was disappointing. We played too much in our own half in the second half," he said.

"I was most happy with the way we started the game. At 2-0 up, maybe some of the players thought it was going to be an easier match than it was."Inter have conceded a number of late goals in recent matches and the coach has suggested that they are lacking a little fitness.

"We're defending too deep, the players are a bit tired. It’s important to defender higher up the field because otherwise a drop of the ball can go against you."Despite the draw, the coach is confident his side can progress at San Siro.

"It'll be a different game in Italy. Hopefully we can play the match as we started tonight and win the game. It won’t be easy, but playing at home will be to our advantage."Inter have now failed to win any of their previous four meetings with the Scottish champions, but a low-scoring draw would be sufficient to qualify them for the last 16.

 

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Monk: Manchester United aren't a long-ball team ... they're just adaptable

Swansea City manager Garry Monk has backed Manchester United counterpart Louis van Gaal over recent criticism of the Dutchman's tactics.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce labelled Van Gaal's side "long-ball United" following a 1-1 Premier League draw at Upton Park earlier in February.

That prompted a reaction from the Dutchman, who produced a dossier for the media claiming that Allardyce's assertion was incorrect and that it was the Hammers who had a higher percentage of long balls.

However, Monk - whose side host United on Saturday - says that the approach shows Van Gaal's versatility.

"I understand what was said but, in this game, you have to be adaptable," he told the press. "You can't have one set way and Man United have done that well.

"They can change their style in games, which they did against West Ham, and it was only in the last five minutes when they used their strength well with [Marouane] Fellaini to get a point out of the game.

"It's a strength to be adaptable but they can produce fantastic football with world-class players all over the pitch.

"It takes time as a manager to implement ideas. He's gone in with a new ideas for players to understand but the run they've been on shows what he's doing works.

"They're already taking his things on board and I can only see them going from strength to strength."

 

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'Mischievous' Balotelli shouldn't have taken penalty - Gerrard

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed that Mario Balotelli overruled team orders by taking the penalty which secured a 1-0 win for the Reds in their Europa League last-32 clash with Besiktas.

The controversial Italian, who has an excellent record from the spot, took penalty duties off skipper-for-the-night Jordan Henderson, who would normally be expected to step up, and buried the ball to seal the victory with typical aplomb after Jordon Ibe had been fouled inside the box.

But Gerrard, the club's No.1 penalty taker when fit, says the pre-determined rules dictate that Henderson, not Balotelli, should have been the one to take the spot-kick and he was disappointed with his behaviour.

"Jordan should have taken the penalty. Rules are rules. It should have been Henderson. Mario has been a bit mischievous," Gerrard told ITV.

The LA Galaxy-bound midfielder did praise the striker's composure, however, adding: "Credit to Mario, he's scored, but it's not nice to see when footballers are arguing.

"I think Jordan has handled the situation very well. He can see that Mario really wanted to score. Jordan walked away at the right moment and handled his post match interview very well.

"Jordan is the captain and Mario showed Jordan a bit of disrespect there, but he's scored a very important goal. I think six or seven players would have wanted to take that penalty so if they all say they are taking it, what happens then?! Rules are in place for a reason."

Balotelli has previously been informed of the rules, with Brendan Rodgers explaining to the former AC Milan striker when he signed that there is a penalty pecking order, but, with Gerrard injured, the Italian opted to take matters into his own hands.

Nevertheless, Liverpool will take a 1-0 lead - and a precious clean sheet - to Turkey for the second leg of their clash with Besiktas, with a place in the last 16 up for grabs.

 

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Bendtner bemused by 'Lord' nickname

The former Arsenal striker moved to the Bundesliga last year but has struggled to cement his place in Dieter Hecking's plans, largely due to the form of Bas Dost in attack.

The Dane's two goals against Krasnodar in November - his first for Wolfsburg - were greeted, not for the first time, by a number of comments on social media describing him as 'Lord Bendtner'.And the 27-year-old says he has little idea as to whether or not he should accept the nickname in jest.

"The problem with it is that I don't know where it comes from or understand if it is funny," he told Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung."Am I being ridiculed? Is it serious?"I think it is a phenomenon of the youth [on social media]. They think that it sounds good."

Bendtner has frequently polarised opinion during a career which has failed to take off to date, and he admits he is regularly met with very different points of view.
"I am not sure what my image is. It's different for different people, I believe," the Denmark international added. "My mother always told me that I am person who polarises [opinion].

"There is this saying in Denmark: 'You are someone who divides the sea'. I meet people, who think that I am the greatest person in the world, and I also meet others who want to throw bottles at me."

 

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West Ham fined for failing to control players

West Ham have been fined £30,000 (€40,000) by the Football Association for failing to control their players in the aftermath of Adrian's sending-off against Southampton earlier in February.

A number of Hammers players surrounded referee Craig Pawson after he dismissed the Spanish goalkeeper for a handball outside the area 61 minutes into the Premier League encounter.

Adrian was originally deemed to have denied a goalscoring opportunity, although the red card was eventually overturned following an appeal by the club.

However, West Ham admitted a charge of "failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion" and have subsequently been fined.

Sam Allardyce's men take on Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday.