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..::Football III::..
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Liverpool skipper Gerrard 'devastated' after Anfield farewell
Steven Gerrard says he is "devastated" to have played his final game at Anfield after Liverpool's 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Goals from Jason Puncheon, Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray denied Gerrard a fairytale victory in his last game as Reds captain in front of the Kop, as well as ending the club's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
But at the final whistle the result was forgotten as Anfield serenaded its departing skipper, who addressed the crowd as he prepares to join MLS champions LA Galaxy this summer.
"It felt very strange," Gerrard admitted of his final home appearance. "I've been dreading this moment.
"I'm going to miss it so much. I've loved every minute of it and I'm absolutely devastated I'm not going to play in front of these supporters again."
Gerrard went on to pay tribute to to everyone at Liverpool who has helped him succeed since making his first team debut in November 1998.
"First and foremost I want to thank everyone at the club whose helped me over the last 17 years," he continued.
"From top to bottom there's too many people to name. I'd like to thank all my team-mates today, and the squad, even the players that didn't get on. All the ex-players that I've played with over the years, they've made me the player I am today.
"But I have to save my last thank you to the most important people at any football club but these supporters stand out more than anything I've experienced.
"Just before I go, before the tears come... I've played in front of most supporters around the world but let me tell you, you are the best. Thank you very much, all the best."
Steven Gerrard says he is "devastated" to have played his final game at Anfield after Liverpool's 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Goals from Jason Puncheon, Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray denied Gerrard a fairytale victory in his last game as Reds captain in front of the Kop, as well as ending the club's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
But at the final whistle the result was forgotten as Anfield serenaded its departing skipper, who addressed the crowd as he prepares to join MLS champions LA Galaxy this summer.
"It felt very strange," Gerrard admitted of his final home appearance. "I've been dreading this moment.
"I'm going to miss it so much. I've loved every minute of it and I'm absolutely devastated I'm not going to play in front of these supporters again."
Gerrard went on to pay tribute to to everyone at Liverpool who has helped him succeed since making his first team debut in November 1998.
"First and foremost I want to thank everyone at the club whose helped me over the last 17 years," he continued.
"From top to bottom there's too many people to name. I'd like to thank all my team-mates today, and the squad, even the players that didn't get on. All the ex-players that I've played with over the years, they've made me the player I am today.
"But I have to save my last thank you to the most important people at any football club but these supporters stand out more than anything I've experienced.
"Just before I go, before the tears come... I've played in front of most supporters around the world but let me tell you, you are the best. Thank you very much, all the best."
Guardiola: Bayern lacked will to win at Freiburg
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola questioned his side's character after they slumped to a third successive Bundesliga defeat.
After a run of four consecutive losses in all competitions, the Bavarians had returned to winning ways by recording a 3-2 victory over Barcelona in midweek, even though it was not enough to see them through to the final of the Champions League final.
Guardiola had been hoping that his troops would build upon that victory at Freiburg on Saturday but they were beaten yet again, with former Bayern striker Nils Petersen netting an 89th-minute winner for the relegation-threatened hosts.
It was a bitter pill for the Catalan coach to swallow, particularly as the Bundesliga champions had conceded a devastating late goal in their 3-0 first-leg loss at Barca, and he took the unusual step of criticising his players after the game at Mage Solar Stadion.
"Congrats to Christian Streich and his squad," Guardiola told reporters. "Freiburg showed the will to win this match, more than my squad.
"They are fighting relegation and this win was very important for them. For us, it was not easy. We conceded a late goal again, like in Barcelona.
"The matches after the win of the championship are not easy. One match against Mainz is left and then we will take a holiday.
"Congratulations to Freiburg because of this win. I hope they will stay in the league this year."
Meanwhile, Freiburg coach Streich freely admitted that his side had enjoyed their fair share of good luck in claiming a first victory over Bayern in 19 years, but he felt that they were due a change of fortune."We have great character in the team," he stated. "We decided to play defensively because we saw no alternative.
"Luck was on our side today, no question about that, but we’ve been very unlucky so often this season. We've earned the win."
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola questioned his side's character after they slumped to a third successive Bundesliga defeat.
After a run of four consecutive losses in all competitions, the Bavarians had returned to winning ways by recording a 3-2 victory over Barcelona in midweek, even though it was not enough to see them through to the final of the Champions League final.
Guardiola had been hoping that his troops would build upon that victory at Freiburg on Saturday but they were beaten yet again, with former Bayern striker Nils Petersen netting an 89th-minute winner for the relegation-threatened hosts.
It was a bitter pill for the Catalan coach to swallow, particularly as the Bundesliga champions had conceded a devastating late goal in their 3-0 first-leg loss at Barca, and he took the unusual step of criticising his players after the game at Mage Solar Stadion.
"Congrats to Christian Streich and his squad," Guardiola told reporters. "Freiburg showed the will to win this match, more than my squad.
"They are fighting relegation and this win was very important for them. For us, it was not easy. We conceded a late goal again, like in Barcelona.
"The matches after the win of the championship are not easy. One match against Mainz is left and then we will take a holiday.
"Congratulations to Freiburg because of this win. I hope they will stay in the league this year."
Meanwhile, Freiburg coach Streich freely admitted that his side had enjoyed their fair share of good luck in claiming a first victory over Bayern in 19 years, but he felt that they were due a change of fortune."We have great character in the team," he stated. "We decided to play defensively because we saw no alternative.
"Luck was on our side today, no question about that, but we’ve been very unlucky so often this season. We've earned the win."
Klopp hits out at officials after Dortmund loss at Wolfsburg
Jurgen Klopp has blamed the officials for Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga defeat at Wolfsburg on Saturday.
BVB fell behind after less than 60 seconds of play at the Volkswagen Arena but they drew level 10 minutes later courtesy of a penalty from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
However, Daniel Caligiuri netted what proved to be the winner just four minutes into the second half, thus leaving Dortmund seventh in the table, three points behind Augsburg in the final Europa League berth with just one round of the Bundesliga season remaining.
Klopp conceded that Dortmund had started the game terribly but nonetheless argued that they were ultimately robbed of a point by poor officiating, claiming that Caligiuri had been in an offside position when he diverted home Kevin De Bruyne's cross.
"If we had taken a point I would be happier," the BVB boss told reporters. "We played a good match for about 88 minutes or 91 minutes because of the additional time. In those two minutes we lost our focus.
"But the goal we conceded in the second half was offside. We defended the situation very well but the referees ignored this offside position. "In the first half we played well except for the first minute. Our performance in defence was good, we attacked well and had opportunities to score a goal.
"Wolfsburg had opportunities too; that was understandable because of their quality. Wolfsburg have big quality at set-pieces.
"But the second goal should not have happened and the result should be a draw. That would be much better for us.
"So, we invested a big effort and we were not rewarded for this. And this isn't the first time this year."On the plus side for Dortmund, Marco Reus played the final 20 minutes, after recovering from an adductor problem.
Klopp is thus confident that the Germany international attacker will be fit for the DFB-Pokal final against Wolfsburg at the end of the month."Marco has been in full training for three days and is on the right track," the outgoing coach added.
"We have one more week of training leading up to the game against Bremen, then another week until the final against Wolfsburg."
Jurgen Klopp has blamed the officials for Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga defeat at Wolfsburg on Saturday.
BVB fell behind after less than 60 seconds of play at the Volkswagen Arena but they drew level 10 minutes later courtesy of a penalty from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
However, Daniel Caligiuri netted what proved to be the winner just four minutes into the second half, thus leaving Dortmund seventh in the table, three points behind Augsburg in the final Europa League berth with just one round of the Bundesliga season remaining.
Klopp conceded that Dortmund had started the game terribly but nonetheless argued that they were ultimately robbed of a point by poor officiating, claiming that Caligiuri had been in an offside position when he diverted home Kevin De Bruyne's cross.
"If we had taken a point I would be happier," the BVB boss told reporters. "We played a good match for about 88 minutes or 91 minutes because of the additional time. In those two minutes we lost our focus.
"But the goal we conceded in the second half was offside. We defended the situation very well but the referees ignored this offside position. "In the first half we played well except for the first minute. Our performance in defence was good, we attacked well and had opportunities to score a goal.
"Wolfsburg had opportunities too; that was understandable because of their quality. Wolfsburg have big quality at set-pieces.
"But the second goal should not have happened and the result should be a draw. That would be much better for us.
"So, we invested a big effort and we were not rewarded for this. And this isn't the first time this year."On the plus side for Dortmund, Marco Reus played the final 20 minutes, after recovering from an adductor problem.
Klopp is thus confident that the Germany international attacker will be fit for the DFB-Pokal final against Wolfsburg at the end of the month."Marco has been in full training for three days and is on the right track," the outgoing coach added.
"We have one more week of training leading up to the game against Bremen, then another week until the final against Wolfsburg."
Montpellier 1-2 PSG: Matuidi & Lavezzi lead Les Parisiens to third successive title
Paris Saint-Germain clinched their third successive Ligue 1 title courtesy of a 2-1 win at Montpellier on Saturday.
Needing only a point to retain the title, PSG - missing the suspended Thiago Motta and Marco Verratti as well as top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to injury - made no mistake with a professional performance at the Stade de la Mosson.
Blaise Matuidi put PSG ahead with his fifth goal of the season in all competitions.
Ezequiel Lavezzi then made it 2-0 after 25 minutes by powering into the bottom-right corner and leave PSG on the brink, with second-placed Lyon struggling at home to Bordeaux.
A howler from Salvatore Sirigu helped Anthony Mounier pull a goal back shortly before half-time, fraying the nerves somewhat for Laurent Blanc's men.
However, a Montpellier fightback never materialised as the capital club sealed the second trophy of a potential domestic treble at the home of the last side to hold the title before PSG's recent dominance.
Blanc's side appeared determined to be crowned champions in style and a bright start saw Lavezzi head wide before Edinson Cavani was also off-target, having latched onto Hilton's ill-advised backpass.
But PSG finally opened the scoring in the 17th minute as Matuidi collected a superb pass from Adrien Rabiot and slotted into the bottom-right corner.
Eight minutes later, Lavezzi swept Serge Aurier's right-wing delivery in at the near post to double the visitors' advantage and put the champagne on ice.
Cavani would have made it three 31 minutes in if not for the reflexes of Jonathan Ligali, who dived low to his left to tip the former Napoli man's close-range effort behind.
And the celebratory mood was tempered somewhat as Montpellier were handed a lifeline after 40 minutes when Sirigu allowed Mounier's in-swinging cross to loop over his head.
Montpellier maintained the momentum from that goal and had the better of the second half but struggled to create clear-cut chances when in the ascendancy.
Indeed, PSG's defence was rarely tested in the second 45 minutes, and Ligali came to Montpellier's aid again late on with a fine double save.
The keeper first denied Aurier at the near-post and was alert to the danger to keep out Rabiot's follow-up.
Pastore rattled the crossbar in injury time before the party mood was soured somewhat as the joyous visiting fans launched flares onto the pitch at the end of an encounter that caps another fine season of league dominance for PSG.
Paris Saint-Germain clinched their third successive Ligue 1 title courtesy of a 2-1 win at Montpellier on Saturday.
Needing only a point to retain the title, PSG - missing the suspended Thiago Motta and Marco Verratti as well as top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to injury - made no mistake with a professional performance at the Stade de la Mosson.
Blaise Matuidi put PSG ahead with his fifth goal of the season in all competitions.
Ezequiel Lavezzi then made it 2-0 after 25 minutes by powering into the bottom-right corner and leave PSG on the brink, with second-placed Lyon struggling at home to Bordeaux.
A howler from Salvatore Sirigu helped Anthony Mounier pull a goal back shortly before half-time, fraying the nerves somewhat for Laurent Blanc's men.
However, a Montpellier fightback never materialised as the capital club sealed the second trophy of a potential domestic treble at the home of the last side to hold the title before PSG's recent dominance.
Blanc's side appeared determined to be crowned champions in style and a bright start saw Lavezzi head wide before Edinson Cavani was also off-target, having latched onto Hilton's ill-advised backpass.
But PSG finally opened the scoring in the 17th minute as Matuidi collected a superb pass from Adrien Rabiot and slotted into the bottom-right corner.
Eight minutes later, Lavezzi swept Serge Aurier's right-wing delivery in at the near post to double the visitors' advantage and put the champagne on ice.
Cavani would have made it three 31 minutes in if not for the reflexes of Jonathan Ligali, who dived low to his left to tip the former Napoli man's close-range effort behind.
And the celebratory mood was tempered somewhat as Montpellier were handed a lifeline after 40 minutes when Sirigu allowed Mounier's in-swinging cross to loop over his head.
Montpellier maintained the momentum from that goal and had the better of the second half but struggled to create clear-cut chances when in the ascendancy.
Indeed, PSG's defence was rarely tested in the second 45 minutes, and Ligali came to Montpellier's aid again late on with a fine double save.
The keeper first denied Aurier at the near-post and was alert to the danger to keep out Rabiot's follow-up.
Pastore rattled the crossbar in injury time before the party mood was soured somewhat as the joyous visiting fans launched flares onto the pitch at the end of an encounter that caps another fine season of league dominance for PSG.
Paris Saint-Germain win Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain have won Ligue 1 for a third successive season after a 2-1 win over Montpellier at Stade de la Mosson on Saturday.
Strikes from Blaise Matuidi and Ezequiel Lavezzi ensured the Parc des Princes side finally saw off closest challengers Lyon in the battle for this year's title.
Laurent Blanc's men started the season as hot favourites to claim the title, but lacked consistency for much of the campaign. They did not top the table after a complete round of matches until March 30, but once reaching the summit they began to pull away from the chasing pack.
Marseille and then Lyon had initially set the pace in Ligue 1, but the capital side eventually proved too strong for their rivals.
Saturday's win sealed their eighth successive victory in Le Championnat - and should they beat Reims at home next weekend, their winning run will surpass that of Marseille, who won seven games on the bounce earlier in the season.
It is PSG's fifth league title in their history and in a fortnight they could complete a clean sweep of the domestic silverware when they meet Ligue 2 outfit Auxerre in the Coupe de France final. This achievement has never been attained previously.
Paris Saint-Germain have won Ligue 1 for a third successive season after a 2-1 win over Montpellier at Stade de la Mosson on Saturday.
Strikes from Blaise Matuidi and Ezequiel Lavezzi ensured the Parc des Princes side finally saw off closest challengers Lyon in the battle for this year's title.
Laurent Blanc's men started the season as hot favourites to claim the title, but lacked consistency for much of the campaign. They did not top the table after a complete round of matches until March 30, but once reaching the summit they began to pull away from the chasing pack.
Marseille and then Lyon had initially set the pace in Ligue 1, but the capital side eventually proved too strong for their rivals.
Saturday's win sealed their eighth successive victory in Le Championnat - and should they beat Reims at home next weekend, their winning run will surpass that of Marseille, who won seven games on the bounce earlier in the season.
It is PSG's fifth league title in their history and in a fortnight they could complete a clean sweep of the domestic silverware when they meet Ligue 2 outfit Auxerre in the Coupe de France final. This achievement has never been attained previously.
Impossible for Liverpool to replace Gerrard, admits Rodgers
It will be impossible for Liverpool to replace departing captain Steven Gerrard, according to Brendan Rodgers.
Gerrard thanked an emotional Anfield crowd after making his final appearance in front of the Kop on Saturday, but hopes of a fairytale ending were shattered as Crystal Palace ran out 3-1 winners.
The 34-year-old midfielder is joining MLS outfit LA Galaxy this summer after a 17-year professional career on Merseyside that has yielded every major honour bar the Premier League, and Rodgers admits his captain will leave a monumental void.
"I have always said he is a player and a person who is irreplaceable with the standard he has set and what he has done here," the Liverpool boss told reporters. "We will have to plot a way to improve in the summer, and that is our challenge.
"In my time here, we have lost a couple of players in Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard. Those two players in the Premier League years here have been monumental.
"Throw in a world-class player like Luis Suarez and of course it is difficult, but we will rise to the challenge.
"He got a wonderful send-off and did everything right until the very end. The support he got was absolutely brilliant and what they would expect of him.
"He has been a wonderful player and gave his all for the club. It was fantastic for him and his family."
It will be impossible for Liverpool to replace departing captain Steven Gerrard, according to Brendan Rodgers.
Gerrard thanked an emotional Anfield crowd after making his final appearance in front of the Kop on Saturday, but hopes of a fairytale ending were shattered as Crystal Palace ran out 3-1 winners.
The 34-year-old midfielder is joining MLS outfit LA Galaxy this summer after a 17-year professional career on Merseyside that has yielded every major honour bar the Premier League, and Rodgers admits his captain will leave a monumental void.
"I have always said he is a player and a person who is irreplaceable with the standard he has set and what he has done here," the Liverpool boss told reporters. "We will have to plot a way to improve in the summer, and that is our challenge.
"In my time here, we have lost a couple of players in Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard. Those two players in the Premier League years here have been monumental.
"Throw in a world-class player like Luis Suarez and of course it is difficult, but we will rise to the challenge.
"He got a wonderful send-off and did everything right until the very end. The support he got was absolutely brilliant and what they would expect of him.
"He has been a wonderful player and gave his all for the club. It was fantastic for him and his family."
Van Gaal: Arsenal better than Chelsea
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal believes Sunday’s opponents, Arsenal, are a better team than Premier League champions Chelsea, but lack the Blues’ nous.
The Red Devils go head-to-head with the Gunners at Old Trafford looking to claim third place and avoid a Champions League play-off.
Van Gaal is anticipating a stern test against a side he believes to be the best in the Premier League, though the Dutchman says Arsene Wenger’s men need to replicate the winning mentality that has propelled Chelsea to the title.
Asked about his own side’s improving psyche, Van Gaal rejected suggestions he had re-established United’s old swagger: “No, because we are not champions.
“I think that (a winning mentality) is the quality of the champion.
“Of course, we have improved a lot but we still have to learn the way Chelsea can play and finish off games because that is the difference.
“I believe that Arsenal have a better team than Chelsea but they cannot finish like Chelsea. That comes from talent and experience from having people like John Terry and Gary Cahill.”
Speaking of his own big-game experiences, Van Gaal continued: “We were equal to Chelsea at home and much better there in spite of what Jose Mourinho was saying.
“Against Tottenham we were better both times. The result against Liverpool at home (3-0) was exaggerated but at Anfield we played fantastic football.
“The difference is not the level of performance but how you finish off the game – and Chelsea have done that the best.”
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal believes Sunday’s opponents, Arsenal, are a better team than Premier League champions Chelsea, but lack the Blues’ nous.
The Red Devils go head-to-head with the Gunners at Old Trafford looking to claim third place and avoid a Champions League play-off.
Van Gaal is anticipating a stern test against a side he believes to be the best in the Premier League, though the Dutchman says Arsene Wenger’s men need to replicate the winning mentality that has propelled Chelsea to the title.
Asked about his own side’s improving psyche, Van Gaal rejected suggestions he had re-established United’s old swagger: “No, because we are not champions.
“I think that (a winning mentality) is the quality of the champion.
“Of course, we have improved a lot but we still have to learn the way Chelsea can play and finish off games because that is the difference.
“I believe that Arsenal have a better team than Chelsea but they cannot finish like Chelsea. That comes from talent and experience from having people like John Terry and Gary Cahill.”
Speaking of his own big-game experiences, Van Gaal continued: “We were equal to Chelsea at home and much better there in spite of what Jose Mourinho was saying.
“Against Tottenham we were better both times. The result against Liverpool at home (3-0) was exaggerated but at Anfield we played fantastic football.
“The difference is not the level of performance but how you finish off the game – and Chelsea have done that the best.”
Mourinho: I thought Terry was finished when I returned to Chelsea
Jose Mourinho admits he thought John Terry was finished when he returned to Chelsea in the summer of 2013.
Terry fell from favour under Andre Villas-Boas and Rafa Benitez at Stamford Bridge but has enjoyed a remarkable career resurgence under Mourinho, starting every Premier League game of the Blues' title-winning season at the age of 34.
The Chelsea captain's consistent excellence also saw him rewarded with a place on the PFA Team of the Year, and Mourinho insists that Terry's return to top form has surprised even him.
“I thought he was over,” the Portuguese told reporters. “Because he hadn’t played for the previous two years, two or three consecutive matches.
"He was not an option for the managers. He was injured. The managers preferred other players in front of him.
“I thought there was something wrong and that he couldn’t get back to his normal level. But when I signed for Chelsea [in 2013] he had one more year of contract and I wanted to respect that year and see what was going on.
“We spoke and he knew my nature: that I owed him a lot, but I’d give him nothing he didn’t deserve. He knew that was my way of being a manager, and he was prepared already.
"He said he’d prove he deserves a place in the team, a very simple process. Obviously, he was fantastic.
"The only thing I knew was that, with different managers, he was not playing. I knew no more than that.
“But he started pre-season with us. I know he likes the way we work, our methodology. He feels very good with the kind of work we do.
"I always thought he was going to improve and I’d have a good player. But, in the end, he came to a fantastic level.”
Terry's has earned a one-year extension to his Chelsea contract and Mourinho believes his captain's rejuvenation has benefited all parties.
"I think he knows that, without me, he probably wouldn’t be at Chelsea in this moment," the Blues boss added.
“But I also know that, probably without him, we wouldn’t be Premier League champions. Because, probably, with another manager he wouldn’t play. And without playing he wouldn’t have another contract.
“If a player is not important, sooner or later he leaves. Under me, he has had already two new contracts.”
Jose Mourinho admits he thought John Terry was finished when he returned to Chelsea in the summer of 2013.
Terry fell from favour under Andre Villas-Boas and Rafa Benitez at Stamford Bridge but has enjoyed a remarkable career resurgence under Mourinho, starting every Premier League game of the Blues' title-winning season at the age of 34.
The Chelsea captain's consistent excellence also saw him rewarded with a place on the PFA Team of the Year, and Mourinho insists that Terry's return to top form has surprised even him.
“I thought he was over,” the Portuguese told reporters. “Because he hadn’t played for the previous two years, two or three consecutive matches.
"He was not an option for the managers. He was injured. The managers preferred other players in front of him.
“I thought there was something wrong and that he couldn’t get back to his normal level. But when I signed for Chelsea [in 2013] he had one more year of contract and I wanted to respect that year and see what was going on.
“We spoke and he knew my nature: that I owed him a lot, but I’d give him nothing he didn’t deserve. He knew that was my way of being a manager, and he was prepared already.
"He said he’d prove he deserves a place in the team, a very simple process. Obviously, he was fantastic.
"The only thing I knew was that, with different managers, he was not playing. I knew no more than that.
“But he started pre-season with us. I know he likes the way we work, our methodology. He feels very good with the kind of work we do.
"I always thought he was going to improve and I’d have a good player. But, in the end, he came to a fantastic level.”
Terry's has earned a one-year extension to his Chelsea contract and Mourinho believes his captain's rejuvenation has benefited all parties.
"I think he knows that, without me, he probably wouldn’t be at Chelsea in this moment," the Blues boss added.
“But I also know that, probably without him, we wouldn’t be Premier League champions. Because, probably, with another manager he wouldn’t play. And without playing he wouldn’t have another contract.
“If a player is not important, sooner or later he leaves. Under me, he has had already two new contracts.”
Manchester United secure top four place
Manchester United are guaranteed a top-four finish in the Premier League after Liverpool lost at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The 3-1 defeat - in captain Steven Gerrard's last competitive game at Anfield - leaves the Reds six points behind United with just one match left to play, ensuring that Louis van Gaal's men will at least join the Champions League at the final qualifying stage.
Victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, however, could yet see United finish higher than fourth and enter next season's edition of Europe's elite club competition at the group stage.
A disastrous campaign under David Moyes condemned United to their first season without Champions League football since 1995-96, but they responded last summer with a £150 million spending spree that saw Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw arrive at Old Trafford.
Liverpool, meanwhile, saw PFA Player of the Year Luis Suarez depart for Barcelona in a £75m deal, while injuries have limited strike partner Daniel Sturridge to just 12 Premier League appearances.
Di Maria: Manchester United haven't seen the real me yet
Angel Di Maria admits he is far from happy with a "very bad" first season at Manchester United.
The Argentine smashed the British transfer record when he completed a £59.7 million (€82m) move from Real Madrid last summer but has failed to establish himself as a key player at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal.
Di Maria's tally of 10 Premier League assists is only bettered by Chelsea playmaker Cesc Fabregas but the winger has only started 23 matches in all competitions for United, and he concedes he has come nowhere near his best level.
“I’m not happy with my first year in England,” the 27-year-old admitted. “I moved here from Real to win titles and this season has been very bad for me. I’m frustrated because I want to do better.
“The fans in England have not seen the real Di Maria. I know I can offer a better level. This year was not good enough.
“Adapting to English football is not easy. People told me the first year for a foreigner here is hard. And that’s true. My challenge is not for one year, but to become part of the history of Manchester United.
“The stadium is unique, the fans sensational – it is a fantastic club. My only frustration is that we haven’t offered the fans our best face every week.
"My dream at United is still to win the Premier League and Champions League.”
Di Maria also revealed that club captain Wayne Rooney has helped him in his bid to adapt to life at Old Trafford, and warns United's rivals that they will once again be challenging for the biggest honours again next term.
“Rooney is a leader and has spoken many times with me this season,” he added. “He has helped me so much to learn about the club.
"Man United is always required to fight for the Premier League – just like it is for Real Madrid or Barcelona in Spain.
“Next year we want to do more. I think you’ll see that we’ll be there.”
Angel Di Maria admits he is far from happy with a "very bad" first season at Manchester United.
The Argentine smashed the British transfer record when he completed a £59.7 million (€82m) move from Real Madrid last summer but has failed to establish himself as a key player at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal.
Di Maria's tally of 10 Premier League assists is only bettered by Chelsea playmaker Cesc Fabregas but the winger has only started 23 matches in all competitions for United, and he concedes he has come nowhere near his best level.
“I’m not happy with my first year in England,” the 27-year-old admitted. “I moved here from Real to win titles and this season has been very bad for me. I’m frustrated because I want to do better.
“The fans in England have not seen the real Di Maria. I know I can offer a better level. This year was not good enough.
“Adapting to English football is not easy. People told me the first year for a foreigner here is hard. And that’s true. My challenge is not for one year, but to become part of the history of Manchester United.
“The stadium is unique, the fans sensational – it is a fantastic club. My only frustration is that we haven’t offered the fans our best face every week.
"My dream at United is still to win the Premier League and Champions League.”
Di Maria also revealed that club captain Wayne Rooney has helped him in his bid to adapt to life at Old Trafford, and warns United's rivals that they will once again be challenging for the biggest honours again next term.
“Rooney is a leader and has spoken many times with me this season,” he added. “He has helped me so much to learn about the club.
"Man United is always required to fight for the Premier League – just like it is for Real Madrid or Barcelona in Spain.
“Next year we want to do more. I think you’ll see that we’ll be there.”
Barclays Premier League 2015.05.17 Fixtures
Barclays Premier League 2015.05.17 Fixtures
Swansea City Vs Manchester City
Manchester United Vs Arsenal
Manchester United Vs Arsenal hoda fight 1kak yai
Arsenal meh season 1keth apita wada godak hodata play karanawa but hoda fight 1kak demu
Good Luck Manchester United!
Arsenal meh season 1keth apita wada godak hodata play karanawa but hoda fight 1kak demuGood Luck Manchester United!
La Liga 2015.05.17 Fixtures
La Liga 2015.05.17 Fixtures
Atletico Madrid Vs Barcelona
Cordoba Vs Rayo Vallecano
Deportivo Vs Levante
Elche Vs Athletic Bilbao
Espanyol Vs Real Madrid
Getafe Vs Eibar
Real Sociedad Vs Granada
Sevilla Vs Almeria
Valencia Vs Celta Vigo
Villareal Vs Malaga
Atletico Madrid Vs Barcelona
Cordoba Vs Rayo Vallecano
Deportivo Vs Levante
Elche Vs Athletic Bilbao
Espanyol Vs Real Madrid
Getafe Vs Eibar
Real Sociedad Vs Granada
Sevilla Vs Almeria
Valencia Vs Celta Vigo
Villareal Vs Malaga
Serie A 2015.05.17 Fixtures
Serie A 2015.05.17 Fixtures
Sassuolo Vs AC Milan
Atalanta Vs Genoa
Cagliari Vs Palermo
Hellas Verona Vs Empoli
Torino Vs Chievo Verona
Roma Vs Udinese
Sassuolo Vs AC Milan
Atalanta Vs Genoa
Cagliari Vs Palermo
Hellas Verona Vs Empoli
Torino Vs Chievo Verona
Roma Vs Udinese
Leicester la masa ganak bottom three wala hitiyeLeicester never stopped believing, says Pearson
.last two month wala performance pattaGerrard'Our friend, our captain, our hero' - football world reacts to Gerrard's final Anfield appearance
Ow bro mamanam hithuwe play karapu hatiyata relegate wei kiyala but anthimata kohomahari elatama play kalaLeicester la masa ganak bottom three wala hitiye
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