..::Football III::..

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Premier League to share over €1.3bn from record TV deal

The Premier League has announced that more than €1.3 billion from the recent record-breaking sale of UK live broadcast rights is set to be shared outside the competition between the 2016-17 and 2018-19 seasons.

Last month, it was revealed that Sky Sports and BT Sport had agreed to pay a combined sum of £5.136bn (€7bn) for the rights to live Premier League football over a three-season period from the season after next.

And the Premier League is now planning to share around 20 per cent of that sum with a range of beneficiaries, providing there is a "satisfactory outcome" to forthcoming international sales and an ongoing regulatory process relating to how the UK rights were sold.

In a statement on Thursday, the Premier League highlighted five priority areas of investment: grassroots facilities, the sporting and educational development of young people, fan engagement, solidarity with lower leagues and supporting disadvantaged groups.

"The clubs have always stepped up to the plate when it comes to sharing their success," said chief executive Richard Scudamore, who is to take up the position of executive chairman as part of changes to the league's governance structure that were also announced on the same day.

"They appreciate that the development of the Premier League is contingent to a high degree on continued high levels of passionate support and a vibrant football pyramid.

"These are unprecedented levels of redistribution in world sport, let alone football, which will deliver long-term progress for English football whether you are a fan, lower league club or involved in the grassroots.

"Clearly this package is dependent on the outcome of our international live rights and the ongoing Ofcom investigation [into the sale of the UK rights], so the detail won't be known until later this year or in early 2016."

The Premier League's decision was welcomed by the Football Supporters' Federation [FSF], who have campaigned for a more equitable distribution of money throughout the English football structure, in addition to reduced ticket prices.

"The announcement of these increased funding streams is a welcome one and we are particularly pleased with the new funds aimed at match-going supporters," read an FSF statement.

"We look forward to continued dialogue between fans, clubs and the Premier League as to how this money is spent."

Top-flight clubs have also committed to paying the Living Wage - said to be the amount an individual needs to cover the basic costs of living in the UK - for all permanent employees by the start of the 2016-17 season.

 

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I'd love to play with Xavi in MLS, says Villa

David Villa is hoping for a reunion with former Barcelona team-mate Xavi in MLS when the midfielder's contract expires.Villa has made a promising start to his career in the United States with New York City, scoring on his home debut at Yankee Stadium.

Xavi has been linked with a move to Al Sadd but Spain's all-time leading goalscorer says he would relish the chance to link up with him in America.

"Yes, we have talked about him moving to MLS, but he is now at Barcelona," said Villa."He still has another year on his contract. I don't ask him a lot about his future plans.

"Xavi would be suitable for any competition or club all over the world. I am sure everyone from MLS would welcome him. "Obviously, I would like to have him here but it's just a wish. There are several times in this life you wish for something but it can't always be done.

"Hopefully he will come here but, if not, I wish him the best for his future because he is a big friend of mine and a great football player."

 

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Harry Kane primed for England debut, Roy Hodgson reveals

Roy Hodgson expects to hand Tottenham striker Harry Kane his full England debut over the next week.

Kane won a much-anticipated maiden international call-up for Friday's Euro 2016 Group E qualifier against Lithuania and the subsequent friendly with Italy in Turin on Tuesday, having scored 29 goals during a stunning breakthrough season at club level.

Hodgson refused to confirm whether the 21-year-old would be in his starting line-up at Wembley next time out but was full of praise for how the player has trained with his new colleagues in the build-up.

"We are very happy with Harry Kane," Hodgson said at his press conference.

"He has done well all week and has not in any way damaged his chances of playing in the full senior team.

"I'm pretty sure over the course of these two games he will make his full debut, but I'm not prepared to give my selection away and when that is people will have to wait and see."

Hodgson's words increase the chances of Kane being paired with Wayne Rooney during the forthcoming games and the England captain was full of praise for his new team-mate's form.

"The season Harry Kane has had is incredible," said the Manchester United forward.

"His first year in the Premier League, the goals he has scored and his performances mean he has deserved his call-up.

"He is a finisher, as we saw against Leicester [Kane scored a hat-trick in Tottenham's 4-3 win last weekend].

"It is great for English football to have someone performing like he is."

 

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De Gea stamp was accidental - Skrtel

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel does not feel guilty about his stamp on David de Gea, claiming that the contact was an accident.

Skrtel received a three-match ban as a result of an incident late in the Reds' 2-1 defeat by Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, with the defender making contact with De Gea as the latter went to gather the ball.

The Slovakia international will now miss games against Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle.

However, Skrtel maintains that his contact with De Gea was unintentional and feels that his suspension is "strange".

"It feels strange because we appealed against those charges and still I was hit by a three-match ban," he wrote on his official website.

"I didn't want to stamp on him. It was an accident and I didn't do it on purpose. I don't feel guilty.

"It was a long ball and he went towards me and I wanted to jump over him. Simple as that."

 

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'Kane is England's Thomas Muller'

England hero Sir Geoff Hurst believes Roy Hodgson may have found the Three Lions' answer to Thomas Muller if Harry Kane can reproduce his club form for the national team.

The Tottenham striker is expected to make his England debut in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley on Friday on the back of a breakthrough season in which he has scored 29 goals in all competitions.

Kane, 21, is joint-top scorer in the Premier League with 19 to his name and England legend Sir Geoff sees similarities with Bayern Munich and Germany star Muller.

“The player I really liken him to is Thomas Muller,” Hurst told Goal. “When you first see Muller or Kane play, they look like the most unlikely footballer you have seen but they are so effective. Muller may look a bit clumsy but he is one of the best players in the world.

“Bill Shankly once said ‘Peter Osgood is very deceptive, he’s much slower than you think’. I feel the same when I watch Harry Kane. He’s much better than you think.

“In the first 10 minutes of a match, he doesn’t look like the kind of player who is going to cause you all sorts of problems but, for whatever reason, it works. He is a brilliant team player and that is the starting point because he works so hard.

“He has good technique and intelligence and, most importantly for a striker, he comes alive in the penalty box and he is a finisher. He scores goals from all sorts of angles and situations.

“In England I would also liken him to Teddy Sheringham in that he has that football intelligence. He may not have the pace but he is a yard ahead of the game with his thoughts.”

 

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Hodgson still to decide on Sterling and Milner

England manager Roy Hodgson will assess the fitness of Raheem Sterling and James Milner ahead of Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania.

Liverpool forward Sterling is nursing a toe injury, while the Manchester City midfielder has been struggling with a knee problem through recent club matches.

Sterling came in for criticism when he asked to be left on the bench for October's 1-0 Group E win in Estonia, citing fatigue but, speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Hodgson hinted that he will release the youngster ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Italy.

"I haven't decided," said the Three Lions boss when asked about the likelihood of the 20-year-old featuring in Turin.

"There's an obvious case to rest him and James Milner, who has been playing for quite a while now with a knee problem.

"There are those two and others who we will have to take a very serious look at. In Raheem's case he needs some specific treatment and, who knows, if it goes well on Friday night, the wise thing might be to give someone else a chance."

England's top players being short of their best physical condition has been a regular hindrance at major tournaments.

World Cup 2022 was recently moved to a November-December staging due to oppressive temperatures in Qatar during the traditional June-July slot and Hodgson, who saw his side crash out during the group stages at last year's tournament in Brazil, believes that playing later in the year could benefit the Three Lions.

"The new date won't hurt," he remarked. "September, October, November is a good time to play international football because the players have had a summer break.

"It won't be a disadvantage for the European teams. The disadvantage will come when the various leagues in European countries have a problem. The World Cup itself won't be a disadvantage for European teams or England."

 

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Marquinhos signs new PSG deal

Marquinhos has signed a new contract extension at Paris Saint-Germain which will keep him tied to the club until 2019.The Brazilian defender has played an important role in the squad since his move from Roma in 2013, having played in 31 games in all competitions this term.

With various clubs reported to be showing an interest in the 20-year-old, the club have moved quickly to tie him to a longer deal and he has signed a one-year extension, which keeps him contracted to the club until 2019.

And Marquinhos spoke of his delight at committing to the capital club.
"It's great, very good news. It shows that I'm doing a good job," he told PSG's official website. "I'm very happy that the club is showing such confidence in me. It's a new stage of my life.

"The project here in Paris is magnificent and life in Paris is wonderful! I'm very happy with everything that's happened in my life since signing here."President Nasser Al Khelaifi hailed the centre-back as "the future" of PSG.

"Marquinhos represents the future of our club and this extension shows how strongly attached he is to Paris Saint-Germain," he said. "We are very happy to extend our adventure with this young and talented player, and it shows how committed the club is to conserving our best young talents.

"The biggest European clubs were interested in signing Marquinhos, so this contract extension further reinforces Paris Saint-Germain’s ambitious long-term project."

 

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Marquinhos signs new PSG deal

Loku deyakPSG ma inna​

 

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Terry signs one-year Chelsea extension

John Terry has signed a one-year contract extension with Chelsea that will tie him to the west London club until 2016 and ends speculation surrounding the captain's future.

The veteran centre-back has been in excellent form this season, helping the Blues in their Premier League title bid and scoring in the victorious Capital One Cup final, but had just a couple of months remaining on his old deal.

Chelsea, though, were keen to avoid a repeat of the saga that saw Frank Lampard eventually join title rivals Manchester City and have tied up Terry's short-term future, with the 34-year-old thrilled to be staying at Stamford Bridge.

"I'm delighted to have signed an extension to my contract with Chelsea," Terry told the club's official website.

"After adding another major trophy to my collection this month I hope myself, the players and manager can continue to bring success to our club.

"Playing for this great club makes me so proud. And as always I would like to thank the fans who have continually supported me."

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo covers Quaresma's car in tin foil

Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have put his recent unhappiness behind him during this international break to have some fun by covering Ricardo Quaresma's car in tin foil.

It has been a difficult start to 2015 for the Ballon d'Or winner, who has had something of a downturn in fortunes ever since picking up the award in January.

He has still scored 10 goals since the turn of the year, but has not looked too happy on the football pitch for some weeks now. No matter, however, when you can take a break from life in Madrid and mess about with your international team-mates.

With a little help (a lot of help) from his sponsors, Nike, Ronaldo spent time on Thursday morning going to work on making Quaresma's car look like his latest pair of boots.

It is apparently an attempt to give the former Chelsea man "a little more speed" for Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Serbia.

 

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Del Bosque: We must attack, but we must be careful

Vicente Del Bosque has urged his Spain side to be cautious against Ukraine on Friday to ensure they do not lose any further ground in Euro 2016 qualifying.

The defending European champions suffered a surprise defeat to Slovakia earlier in Group C, and they go into Friday's clash in Seville level on points with their opponents in second place.

Spain's 29-game unbeaten record at home in competitive matches means they are heavy favourites, but Del Bosque insists they must not underestimate a stubborn Ukrainian side.

"It will be a game where you have to attack, but we need balance," he said. "We have to be very careful with the threats that Ukraine have, they are good on the counter-attack.

"Ukraine have a base from Shakhtar, with good people from Dynamo Kyiv. They are a good team with a strong defensive base."The players know what is at stake."

Del Bosque will be without Diego Costa after the Chelsea striker withdrew due to a hamstring injury, but is confident in-form Juventus forward Alvaro Morata can step up and lead the line.

"We have trained with all the players we have, we've drawn in the position they'll play and we have many expectations for Morata," he added. "It is good that he has become rich by going abroad. It's good to have minutes under his belt."

 

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Del Bosque: We must attack, but we must be careful

"We must attack" kiyala ara Tiki Taka magulama play karanna gatthoth thamai epa wenne​

 

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Ramos: Iniesta the boyfriend every mother wants

Sergio Ramos says Andres Iniesta is the boyfriend that every mother wants their daughter to bring home and says it is a shame he does not play for Real Madrid.

The midfielder has been at Barcelona for almost 19 years now, having spent 13 in the senior team, winning a host of domestic, continental and world titles for club and country.And Ramos says he would love to have seen his Spain team-mate join him at Real Madrid.

"Iniesta is the boyfriend that every mother wants," he said at a press conference. "The figures over his career tell you all you need to know. He is a magical player.

"There are few players in the world that can compare to him, but unfortunately he is not with us at Real Madrid."Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier with Ukraine comes 10 years and a day after Ramos made his national team debut and he says the time has flown by.

"Time passes very quickly and you don't get to enjoy it properly. I look around and I feel old.

"But there's been a lot of positives, like all the knowledge that Vicente del Bosque and Luis Aragones brought me that helped me become a better player and a better person."

 

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Schneiderlin: I want to play in Champions League

Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has placed even more uncertainty on his future, stating that he wants to play in the Champions League next season.

The France international has long been linked with a move to the Emirates, while Schneiderlin’s former manager Mauricio Pochettino has been keen to reunite with the midfielder at Tottenham.

Spurs’ hopes of landing Schneiderlin have faded in recent months, however, with the club taking steps to identify potential alternatives – including James McCarthy – but the Gunners are believed to retain a keen interest in the 25-year-old, and they have now been boosted in their pursuit after he revealed his intention to play in Europe’s elite club competition in 2014-15.

"I don't want to be in front of the TV on Tuesday and Wednesday,” he told L’Equipe.

However, Schneiderlin has not set his heart on leaving St Mary’s, revealing that he would stay at the club were they to crowbar their way into the top four between now and the end of the season.

"But at the end of the season, Southampton could qualify for the Champions League and I could also stay. Who knows..."

 

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Coutinho eager to add more goals to his game

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho admits he must add more goals to his game as he strives to match Europe's elite players.

The Brazilian playmaker has been in outstanding form this season but has scored just five times in all competitions as the club have attempted to qualify for the Champions League for the second season in a row.

In total, Coutinho has netted just 13 goals in 92 games since joining the Reds from Inter in January 2013, and the 22-year-old insists he is determined to improve his record in the coming months.

He told Liverpool's official website: "I think I still have to improve. I have not improved yet. I scored a few goals last month but I need to improve.

"I have this ambition, this objective of improving finishing. In the position I play, I need to score goals to help the team and create plays. Therefore I must improve my goalscoring skills."

 

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Dani Alves wants new Barcelona deal

Dani Alves hopes to sign a new contract with Barcelona this summer despite reported interest from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.

The Brazil full-back is out of contract at the end of June but hopes to pen an extension at Camp Nou to remain in the city where he has settled with his children and is close to his ex-wife, who remains his agent.

Alves is therefore prepared to give Barcelona priority in contract talks and Luis Enrique is wary of allowing players to leave the club given their current transfer ban.

There is also a lack of clear replacements at right-back in Luis Enrique's current squad, with Douglas and Martin Montoya both failing to hold down a place in the first team.

One potential source of disagreement, however, could come in the length of a new deal. Alves hopes to sign for three more years, or at least two with an additional one-year option, but Barcelona would prefer a 12-month deal with an extra one-year option.

The 32-year-old does not want to find himself out of contract next summer with a pay cut likely due to his advancing years.

Despite those issues, Alves is understood to be comfortable with his situation, given the strength of his relationship with the club he has served for nearly seven years.

He is also aware of interest from clubs in the Premier League and Serie A should a new contract in Spain not materialise.

 

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Morata: I can be Spain's No.9 in Costa's absence

Juventus striker Alvaro Morata says he is ready to take the responsibility of leading the line for Spain in the absence of the injured Diego Costa .

Costa has played just two international games since joining Chelsea due to a succession of injuries, and will miss the key Euro 2016 qualifier against Ukraine this weekend.

That could hand Morata the chance to start in attack after impressing in the Champions League for the Serie A leaders, and the former Real Madrid forward is ready to take his opportunity.

"I'm ready for whatever comes," he told Goal . "I will face it with the best possible attitude.

"This is football, and it depends on whether the ball wants to go in or not. I can play better or worse, but whenever I play, I give everything I have inside.

"Maybe sometimes even this has betrayed me when I wanted to show too much too quickly, but now I think I don't have to prove anything to anyone."

After a slow start to the season, Morata has scored seven goals in his last 14 games in all competitions and credits compatriot Fernando Llorente for helping him to settle in Turin.

"It's not easy when you change country, culture and [style of] football," he explained. "It was difficult for me. I came to Turin and I got injured, I lost the rhythm I found in training.

"It was a month and a half until my knee stopped hurting, and another month to adapt to my team-mates. But now I'm fully integrated and well physically. It's just the normal process of adaptation.

"Fernando Llorente has been very important for me. He gives me a lot of advice, we talk a lot.

"I will thank Fernando for my entire life, because it's hard to find people like him, especially in the world of football.

"We play in the same position. Sometimes I play, and sometimes he plays, but he has treated me as a friend, and I'll be there for him for whatever he wants.

"Massimiliano Allegri has also given me incredible confidence. The executives, too. I could not be happier at Juventus.

"They have done everything for me when last year I did not score 25 or 30 goals, and I didn't play every game. I wasn't the most important in the [Real Madrid] squad.

"They put blind faith in me and I think I'm paying them back."

Morata admitted that the form of Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez has been crucial to Juve's success so far this season and tipped the Frenchman to be a future Ballon d'Or contender.

"Those two are among the best players in the world," he enthused. "Tevez played an amazing game [against Borussia Dortmund], like the rest of the team.

"And Pogba, at just 22 years old, with his quality, he is already one of the best players in the world, and he can become someday win the Ballon d'Or. He's an amazing player."

 

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Szczesny must quit Arsenal after Wenger snub, claims Dudek

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek has urged Wojciech Szczesny to leave Arsenal after losing his place in the starting XI to David Ospina.

Szczesny fell out of favour at the club in January after he was caught smoking in the showers after the club’s loss to Southampton at St Mary’s.

Ospina has subsequently become Wenger’s first-choice, and, as a result, ex-Poland international Dudek believes Szczesny should leave the Emirates in search of first-team football when the transfer window reopens this summer.

“It’s a serious matter,” he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.

“If I were in his place, I would wonder whether there are still opportunities to arise at Arsenal and wouldn’t wait as long as Fabianski, because you can see that Arsene Wenger is firmly set on David Ospina.

“Fortunately, [Poland] have two other goalkeepers who are able to provide an adequate level in our goal.”

Szczesny has long been Poland’s No.1 but Dudek believes his fall from grace means that he is unlikely to feature when the country face the Republic of Ireland in a Euro 2016 qualifier on March 29.

“Lukasz Fabianski is in excellent form and, on the other hand, Artur Boruc is very experienced,” he added.

“I think [Adam] Nawalka [Poland manager] will wait to make the decision until the very end. Wojciech is the least likely to play in the match with Ireland.”

 

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Bender determined to rekindle Dortmund-Bayern rivalry

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender is determined to rekindle his side's rivalry with Bayern Munich despite their disappointing Bundesliga season.

A recent revival has left Jurgen Klopp's side in 10th place but they have fought relegation, rather than contended for the title with Bayern, for most of the campaign so far.

The return of former Dortmund stars Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski, however, will add spice to the occasion when the two sides meet on April 4 despite Bayern's clear lead at the top of the table.

"I have contact with Mario, we're texting sometimes," Bender told reporters. "But ahead of such a game there's no more contact than usual.

"Of course, it's not the same situation like it was in previous years where we were really close in the standings.

"I think we have found our strength again. We have a good defence again and are playing successfully again. We always showed in the past that we could keep pace with them and even win.

"Everyone is looking forward to that special task. Maybe some may underestimate us and say we're not at their best level at the moment.

"It would be nice if we could show them that we're still a top team and can always surprise."

Bender returned from a long-term knee injury recently and his comeback has coincided with an upturn in Dortmund's fortunes.

"I wasn't able to do anything only for two weeks," he explained. "After that I could start with the rehab.

"All in all, it was four weeks and after that I felt really good. Of course, after this the rhythm was missing a little bit but I felt good and I am feeling good right now.

"Since my return I made every training session and I'm in top condition. Although I need the international break to train and work every day to get the final tuning that is still missing."

 

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Khedira confirms Real Madrid exit

Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has confirmed he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The Germany international has made more than 100 league appearances in his five years at the Santiago Bernabeu but has failed to agree an extension to his current deal with the Champions League holders.

And the 27-year-old says he wishes to seek a new challenge after losing his place in the team to the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, but insists he is yet to make a decision on where he will play his football next year.

“I don’t have an agreement with any club nor any preferences as to who I would like to join,” he told Kicker .

“It’s not a decision against Real Madrid. I want to find new challenges for my career and continue to grow as a player.”

Schalke recently confirmed that they have held talks with Khedira, while Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Arsenal have also been linked with his signature.

Khedira says he will now focus on seeing out the current campaign under Carlo Ancelotti and looked back fondly on a period that has included titles in La Liga and the Champions League as well as his World Cup victory with Germany.

“For me, it was a magnificent moment in my life in a magnificent team,” he reflected. “I will do everything I can to continue helping the team during the forthcoming weeks.”