..::Football III::..

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Messi tax evasion appeal rejected


Lionel Messi's appeal against allegations of tax evasion has been thrown out by a Barcelona court and the Argentina star will now stand trial.

The Blaugrana forward and his father and agent, Jorge Messi, are accused of defrauding authorities over a tax amount totalling €4.1 million between 2006 and 2009.

It is alleged that Messi's image rights were sold by Jorge - who assumed full responsibility when the case began - using companies in countries like Belize and Uruguay to avoid Spanish tax obligations.

A judge at a court in Gava, near Barcelona, determined in October 2014 that the 27-year-old would have to face trial over the allegations, despite his pleas that he was neither guilty nor fully aware of the suggested impropriety.

Messi immediately outlined his intention to appeal in a statement which read: "Through this press release I want to communicate that, after having received the order of the court of Gava and following the professional advice of my solicitors, I have decided to appeal against it."

That appeal, heard by the Court of Barcelona, was rejected on Wednesday, however.In addition to his claims of innocence, Messi and his father also made a voluntary payment of just over €5m to the authorities last year.

The case has cast a cloud over Messi despite his blistering form on the pitch which helped Barca achieve a domestic and continental treble, which was completed with Saturday's 3-1 defeat of Juventus in the Champions League final in Berlin.The Argentine has been particularly impressive since the turn of the year after a public falling out with coach Luis Enrique.

 

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Perez: Madrid's duty is to make impossible dreams possible

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says the club will prove they can make "impossible" dreams come true next season.

Madrid won the Champions League and Copa del Rey in 2014 but were unable to retain either trophy last season, while also falling short in La Liga as rivals Barcelona won the treble.

The lack of silverware resulted in the sacking of coach Carlo Ancelotti and subsequent appointment of Rafa Benitez as his successor and Perez expects the team to bounce back immediately.

"We'll be back fighting in no time," he said said in a speech from the VIP box in the Santiago Benabeu on Tuesday. "That's the only way we have been able to demonstrate that dreams can be realised, both those that are possible and those that seem impossible.

"At this club you learn never to give up on a game as a lost cause, to fight to the last second and to come back stronger when we don't get the results we want."
Benitez is Madrid's fourth coach since Perez was re-installed as president in 2009, a period that has seen them pick up just one league title.

 

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Dani Alves: Messi convinced me to stay at Barcelona

Dani Alves has revealed that Lionel Messi played a key role in his decision to stay at Barcelona.

The Brazil international looked set to leave Camp Nou on a free transfer this summer, with the defender having been upset by the terms and length of the contract extension he was initially offered by the Catalan club.

However, the former Sevilla star agreed a new two-year deal with Barca on Tuesday, with the option of a third season, and the right-back explained that Messi had convinced him to commit his future to the treble-winners."Messi said to me: 'Dani, stay, where you are going to feel better than you do here?'" the Selecao ace told reporters on Wednesday.

"Long ago we talked about how well we were living at this club. We have wonderful things in this city, gorgeous weather, and all of this influenced our decisions.

"Messi and I had the same conversation a year ago when it was said someone wanted to sign the two of us and we discussed that we would never have it so good anywhere else.

"As I said at the treble celebration [on Sunday], and as I said many times before, I'm just in the place where I feel loved.

"For a few moments I had doubts but the other day it was very clear that most people here love me and value me, and that was one of the things that made me decide to stay."I always follow my heart. My heart was asking me to stay here and I still have many things to offer.

"I have the best group of colleagues, I have never seen a group with such connection and that helped in making the decision."A number of positive factors that have led me to make this decision."

Indeed, Dani Alves also revealed that his future had also been linked with that of coach Luis Enrique, who extended his contract with Barca until 2017 on the same day.

"Luis Enrique has been someone who selected me when there were people who doubted about me," the 32-year-old stated.

"At the beginning of the season when I was thinking about staying or going, he said something to me at the end of a game that left a real impression on me
"He said, 'Dani, stay because we are going to enjoy this year.'"Luis Enrique has influenced my decision because I like working with people of his nature. I see myself in him.

"I also renewed because Luis Enrique renewed. He has returned this club to the highest level."He has given us the hope and the possibility to get the treble and fight for the sextet!

"I think his renewal is well deserved. Our success has so much to do with him.
"People doubted him too but he and his staff have put Barca back on top."

Dan Alves also denied that the protracted and sometimes bitter nature of his contract talks have negatively affected his relationship with Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

“It was not a fight between Dani Alves and the club," he added. "It was not a question of financial considerations. If it were only a matter of money, I would not still be here."I followed my heart and my heart told me that I had to stay at this club.

“I do not have a bad relationship with the president. On the contrary, I have a very good relationship but everyone tries to defend their rights, and it was just a process of negotiation."They offered me one thing and I did not want it. I asked one thing and they did not give it to me.

"But at the end we reached a compromise. I now have a two-year contract and will do whatever is needed to continue for a the third year."Next year will be better than this one and retiring at Barca is a possibility."

 

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Xavi: I'm surprised Dani Alves stayed at Barcelona

Xavi has revealed that he did not expect Dani Alves to stay at Barcelona but that he was always confident that Luis Enrique would remain at Camp Nou.

Dani Alves looked set to leave on a free transfer this summer after failing to agree terms on a contract extension but on Tuesday the right-back put pen to paper on a new two-year deal, with the option of a third year.

Xavi, who has just left the Catalan club for Qatari outfit Al-Sadd, has now admitted that he feared that his treble-winning team-mate was all set to follow him out the exit door at Barca."I must admit that it was a surprise for me," the midfielder is quoted as saying by Sport. "I was honestly not expecting it.

"After his press conference and appearing to announce his departure, he was unhappy and after what I thought to be his goodbye during the [treble] celebrations, I told myself that he wouldn't continue.

"He had only told us that he still wasn't sure about his future and I told him that he had to stay, because it will be better at Barcelona than anywhere else.
"He is 32 years old, so he still has time on his side."I am very happy for him and for Barca. He is a tremendous full-back and he has had a fantastic season."

Coincidentally, Luis Enrique agreed a one-year extension with Barca on Tuesday that will also keep him at the club until 2017.

The trainer's future had been in doubt in spite of Barca's treble success, with reports claiming that Luis Enrique had been upset by the fact that his job had been under threat in January.

However, Xavi always felt that the 45-year-old would be rewarded with a new contract."In all honesty, the doubts are something to ask him about, but if I had been in his shoes I wouldn't have had any doubts," the World Cup winner added.

"He has been a good leader for the squad, he has won three titles and he can make history by winning three more, which would make this side the best in Barca's history."Where would he go that would be better than Barca?"Football-wise, there should be no doubt, nor with results, his leadership of the team has been unquestionable.

"He is a man with a strong personality and he has left his mark on the squad."
Luis Enrique's Barca side will now be hoping to complete a remarkable 2015 by winning the Uefa Super Cup, Supercopa de Espana and Club World Cup later this year.

 

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El Shaarawy: I was sorry to see Inzaghi sacked by AC Milan

AC Milan attacker Stephan El Shaarawy has admitted that he was sorry to see Filippo Inzaghi sacked as coach.

Inzaghi only took charge of the San Siro side last summer but was fired at the end of disappointing 2014-15 campaign which saw the Rossoneri fail to qualify for Europe after finishing 10th in the Serie A standings.

Sinisa Mihajlovic, who stepped down as Sampdoria coach on June 1, is now expected to fill the void and while El Shaarawy has the utmost respect for the Serb, he remains disappointed by Inzaghi's dismissal.

"I think that he gave all of himself for the Milan shirt, so I'm very sorry to see him sacked because I know very well the passion that he put into the job," the 22-year-old striker told reporters on Wednesday."Mihajlovic? He's a great coach who has done very well but it's not yet official so I can say no more."

However, El Shaarawy did admit that he hopes no matter who is charge next season is given plenty to spend in the transfer market.

Indeed, there is speculation that Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi is willing to splash up to €150 million on new players this summer and the Rossoneri have made former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic one of their primary targets.El Shaarawy was reluctant to be drawn on the Swede's possible return to the Giuseppe Meazza but he was more than happy to reiterate his commitment to the club.

"For now they are only rumours, but regardless of Ibra, I hope that Milan can have a big transfer market and can again be competitive, both in Italy and in Europe," the Italy international added."I have a contract with Milan. I hope to stay and return to being great with Milan."

 

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Ribery: Ankle injury has been a disaster

Bayern Munich ace Franck Ribery is praying that his injury nightmare will finally end next month.

The Frenchman has been out of action with a persistent ankle problem since March but is now hoping to return to full training on July 1.

"This has been a disaster," Ribery told Bild of his injury lay-off. "I actually have everything that one can dream of in life but I am not free. I always think of my foot.
"I want to run, I want to work, I want to play. I have to train in order to be happy. I need to be fit and healthy on July 1, 100 per cent. "Whether that happens or not, I do not know. But I'll try anything."

The 32-year-old winger's mounting fitness problems - he also missed last year's World Cup with a troublesome back complaint - has prompted speculation that Bayern will try to replace him this summer.

Indeed, Bayern have been linked with a number of young attacking talents, including Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling and Atletico Madrid ace Antoine Griezmann.However, Ribery says he does not care if any fresh faces arrive at the Allianz Arena, claiming he is capable of taking on all-comers as long as he is healthy.

"That's no problem at all," he said of possible transfer reinforcements. "If I have no injury and I'm 100 per cent fit, then anyone can come who wants to."

 

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Blow for Belgium as Fellaini ruled out of Wales clash

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has confirmed that midfielder Marouane Fellaini will miss Friday's crucial Euro 2016 qualifying clash with Wales due to injury.

The Red Devils currently lead Group B but are only ahead of Wales on goal difference, and they will be without the Manchester United midfielder, who has been ruled out with a pelvic problem.

Fellaini trained with his team-mates on Tuesday but was unable to complete the session and was subsequently taken to hospital to assess the problem.

"The Fellaini scan shows a reaction to the pelvis bone," Wilmots confirmed on Twitter. "He will not be ready for #walbel and leaves the squad for further rehabilitation."

Belgium and Wales played out a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture in November.

 

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'Manchester United aren't ready for Champions League challenge' - Hargreaves

Owen Hargreaves expects former club Manchester United to struggle in the Champions League next season, as there is a gulf in class to the competition's elite sides.

Louis van Gaal guided United back to Europe's elite club competition in 2014-15 as the club finished fourth, a year on from their seventh-placed finish and the ill-fated tenure of David Moyes.

United are expected to embark on a spending spree this summer, with Memphis Depay already acquired, as they seek to challenge both domestically and in Europe, but Hargreaves has dismissed any chances of the club winning the competition.

"I don't think Manchester United are ready to compete for a Champions League title," the former midfielder, who was a member of the Champions League winning 2008 squad, said.

"If you look at Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona - realistically I don't think they are.

"I'm sure the fans would love to get back to those days when they were in the Champions League semi-finals virtually every year and not only winning the league, but winning it beautifully as well."

He added: "As excited as you are that there is £200 million (€275m) to spend potentially, I am still not 100 per cent sure how the team is going to look. Chelsea is by far the best team in the country.

"They can go and get players that they specifically need. I think Manchester United need quite a lot."

 

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Simeone: Real Madrid will win La Liga next season

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has claimed that it will be "dangerously complicated" for anyone other than Real Madrid to win La Liga next season.

The Rojiblancos won the 2013-14 title, while Barcelona finished top of the Primera Division pile this season before going on to record a remarkable treble.
Madrid, by contrast, have been crowned champions of Spain just once in the past seven years, in 2012 under Jose Mourinho.

However, Simeone believes that Los Blancos are the clear favourites to triumph next season, intimating that external forces will ensure that Real will not go another season without lifting the Liga trophy.

Indeed, when asked how he saw the 2015-16 title race, the Argentine told AS: "Dangerously complicated for any team other than Real Madrid because it can't happen that Real Madrid wins only one league after seven years.

"So, I see [the Liga title race] dangerously prepared for Real Madrid, sadly."
Madrid finished second to Barca in La Liga this season, with the capital club's perceived failure resulting in the firing of Carlo Ancelotti and hiring of Rafael Benitez as his replacement.

 

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'Juventus expecting Madrid move for Vidal' - Marotta

Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that the Italian champions are expecting Real Madrid to make a move for midfielder Arturo Vidal.
Vidal still has two years to run on his contract with the Old Lady but has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Turin, with Manchester United having made a concerted effort to sign the Chile international after last year's World Cup.
However, Marotta believes that it is Madrid who are more likely to bid for the 28-year-old, revealing that new Blancos boss Rafael Benitez, who spent the last two seasons in Italy with Napoli, is a keen admirer of Vidal's.

"Real Madrid did not make an attempt to sign him but it is probable that Real will do this in the future because Benitez knows Arturo very well," he told reporters on Wednesday.

The Spanish side are also reportedly interested in Paul Pogba but Marotta insisted that the Scudetto holdes have no interest in cashing in on the in-demand France international."We do not need to sell him and I'm sure he's happy at Juventus," he stated.

Marotta did admit that the future of Carlos Tevez remains very much up in the air, with the Argentina international being courted by Atletico Madrid, but he is confident that Andrea Pirlo, who has hinted at a move overseas, will see out the final year of his contract.

"Andrea did not tell us he wants to leave Juventus, while we will decide about Tevez within 10 days," he added.

 

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Official: Swansea sign Andre Ayew on four-year deal

Swansea City have announced a deal to sign Andre Ayew on a free transfer, with the winger signing a four year deal on Wednesday.

The Ghana international has been on the lookout for a new club ahead of the expiry of his Marseille contract and has opted to move to the Premier League, penning a four-year deal at the Liberty Stadium.

Ayew had been linked with West Ham prior to joining Swansea and the 25-year-old becomes manager Garry Monk's first new arrival of the close-season as the club begin reinvesting the funds that they received from Wilfried Bony's move to Manchester City in January.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Ayew, who will wear squad number 10, will bolster Garry Monk's attacking options as he can play anywhere along the front line and behind the striker."

"I spoke to Bafetimbi Gomis, who really wanted me to come here," the Ghanaian told the club's official website of why he joined the Swans. "He told me about the club's record season and also about the team spirit, manager, training, the players and how everyone is united.

"Those are great things for me to hear. I know the squad will help me settle in and we will help each other to make Swansea a better team – that's what is important.

"The project that the club has for the future is very exciting and, when I spoke to the chairman and manager, I felt this was the right place for me. I felt that my desire to play in the Premier League and wanting to grow as a player meant that Swansea was the best solution for me."

Capped 63 times for his country, Ayew made 207 appearances in his eight years at Ligue 1 side Marseille and showed good form under Marcelo Bielsa at the Stade Velodrome last season.

Marseille finished the season in fourth place, having briefly mounted a title challenge, with Ayew scoring 10 times and registering three assists in his 28 Ligue 1 appearances.

 

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Barcelona to hold presidential election on July 18

Barcelona will stage presidential elections on July 18, the club have announced.

Ramon Adell - head of the managing commission which oversees the club when the elected board stands down - announced the news on Wednesday following the resignation of the board and Josep Maria Bartomeu ahead of the election.
All candidates for the presidency must present their proposed board members by July 4.

"From Saturday 27 June until Saturday July 4, proposed candidatures for the FC Barcelona Board of Directors may be presented," a statement on the club's website reads.

"The candidatures, which shall be closed and voted on as a block, must be presented to the Electoral Board and presented to the Electoral Office."On Wednesday 8 July 2015, the Electoral Board shall announce the candidatures that have the right to stand in the elections.

"If more than one candidature is announced, the election campaign shall commence, which shall last from 00.00 on Thursday July 9 until 24.00 on Thursday 16 July 2015.

"During the election campaign, the candidates may provide information, run promotions and distribute propaganda."The voting will take place at Camp Nou on July 18 from 9am to 9pm.

 

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Germany 1-2 USA: Klinsmann's men sink world champions

Substitute Bobby Wood was United States' hero once again as he struck late to ensure a 2-1 victory over world champions Germany on Wednesday.

Wood was the matchwinner for Jurgen Klinsmann's side in last week's thrilling 4-3 victory over Netherlands and the Erzgebirge Aue striker came off the bench again to settle things at the RheinEnergieStadion in Koln.

Prior to Wood settling the tie, Joachim Low's World Cup winners were quick out of the blocks, gaining their reward after just 11 minutes when Mario Gotze slid home the opener.

Debutant Patrick Hermann will have no doubt impressed Low with his mazy run and assist during a dominant German first half.Despite that, the US went in level at half-time thanks to Mix Diskerud's well-taken equaliser following a quick break.

And Klinsmann's side - who open their Gold Cup campaign against Honduras on July 7 - were rewarded for their second-half positivity when Wood curled home the winner from distance three minutes from time.

The US have one pre-tournament friendly to come against Guatemala, but Klinsmann's men could not have asked for better preparations following victory over his home country.

For a lacklustre Germany, who appeared somewhat fatigued, a trip to Gibraltar and an almost-certain three-point haul in Euro 2016 qualifying awaits on Saturday.
As the hosts made a positive start, debutant Hermann saw his early cross evade Andre Schurrle before Mesut Ozil shot straight at Brad Guzan in the seventh minute.

Klinsmann's side had their first sight of goal when Diskerud fired narrowly over from the edge of the area but Germany's early dominance paid dividends.
Hermann was integral, jinking down the right before slipping the ball wide for Gotze to finish.

Germany continued to dominate possession prior to the half-hour mark and should have doubled their lead when Gotze found himself clean through on goal - the Bayern Munich man thwarted by Guzan.Again, Hermann's direct running helped create the opportunity but Germany were hit with a sucker-punch five minutes before the interval.

A sweeping break culminated in Michael Bradley finding Diskerud with a sweeping cross-field pass before the latter controlled with his chest and fired past Ron-Robert Zieler.

Having ridden their luck at times in the first half, the US started the second brightly as a last-ditch challenge from Sebastian Rudy was required to keep Gyasi Zardes from getting a shot away on goal.

Despite struggling to get out of their own half, Germany should have been back in front when substitute Sami Khedira glanced a header wide from close range after the hour, with Jordan Morris almost making him pay with a curled effort round the post.

As the visitors threatened for much of the latter stages, Zieler twice frustrated Bradley before Wood struck a winner that seemed on the cards for some time.
Zieler was unable to keep the effort out and, while the US were almost denied when Khedira headed against the crossbar, Klinsmann's side look set to arrive for their Gold Cup opener against Honduras with plenty of momentum.

 

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Germany lost power against USA - Low

Joachim Low has admitted that Germany lost their power in the second half as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against the USA on Wednesday.

Mario Gotze gave the world champions an early lead, but Mix Diskerud pulled Jurgen Klinsmann's team level before a late strike from Bobby Wood saw them win the tie.

Low was happy with his side's performance in the opening half, but says they went downhill after the break."Considering the circumstances, I was really pleased with the first half," he told ARD. "We were dynamic and we had a lot of chances.

"In the second half, our power faded and you could see that we were not reacting properly.“Gotze, meanwhile, feels the home side should have had the match wrapped up by half time.

"We had many good chances during the first half and we played pretty well," he said. "Unfortunately we did not convert our chances, otherwise it would have been a different game.

"We lost our way a bit after the break. You have to score, that is the most important thing in football and if you do so, you do not get in to trouble in the end like we did.“

Bastian Schweinsteiger stated his belief that Germany are still in a good position to beat Gibraltar on Saturday in their Euro 2016 qualifier, before discussing his future at Bayern Munich.

"We want to win on Saturday and this match will help us to get into the rhythm," he said.

"I have agreed with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge that we will talk this summer about the future. I still have one year left on my contract at Bayern and at the moment we are only in the early days of summer."

 

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Mourinho hit with six-month driving ban

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been banned from driving for six months as a result of a speeding offence.

The Portuguese was ordered by magistrates in court on Wednesday to pay a fine of €1200, as well as suffer the suspension, for reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour in a 50mph zone.

Mourinho was caught by speed cameras as he exceeded the limit on the A3 Esher bypass in September.

With nine points already on his license, the Blues boss earned a lengthy ban, while the size of his fine was determined by taking into account his "significant income", said the court.

He did not appear in court in person but submitted a guilty plea nonetheless. Chelsea declined to comment.

 

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Owen: Unlike Suarez, Sterling is replaceable

Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling is not "irreplaceable" like Luis Suarez was, according to former Reds striker Michael Owen.

The Uruguayan left Anfield for Barcelona last summer but Brendan Rodgers' side were unable to maintain their place in the Premier League's top four.

While Sterling has refused to sign a new contract, prompting expectations that he may leave Liverpool before the new campaign kicks off, Owen feels that the youngster is not a unique talent like his old team-mate.

"Put it this way: a year ago they lost Suarez and he's irreplaceable. You cannot replace someone that good," the forward-turned-pundit said at the launch of BT Sport Europe.

"If Liverpool lose Sterling, they can replace him with the money you get. He's a very good player with lots of potential but you can replace him.

"If I was a Liverpool fan, I'd obviously be wanting an answer over whether he will stay or go, but I wouldn't be losing sleep if he did leave and you got a fair old chunk of money for him."

 

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Tevez receives offer from Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain have made contact with Juventus striker Carlos Tevez and offered him a massive deal in an attempt to lure him to the French capital this summer.The Argentine has been linked to a move to Boca Juniors recently, although Juve are eager to keep him for at least one more season.

Tevez has a contract with the Champions League runners-up until June 2016, but PSG are looking to snap him up soon.The Ligue 1 champions have offered the striker a multi-year contract worth €8.5 million per year, with bonuses which could see his salary rise to €9m.

At 31-years-old, it could be his last big contract and it is one he will consider before telling Juve his decision in the coming days. However, the Serie A champions will not let their 20-goal striker go cheaply.Juve CEO Giuseppe Marotta says the relationship between Tevez and the club is healthy, but admits the choice is down to the man himself.

"This is his way of life, and we will respect it," he said. "Our relationship is fantastic. The possibility that he will stay is very high, but I will not put it into percentages. He is a professional."

 

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Official: Newcastle appoint McClaren as manager

Newcastle have confirmed the appointment of Steve McClaren as their new manager.

The former England boss, who was sacked by Derby County after missing out on the Championship play-offs last season, has signed a three-year contract which could be extended to as many as eight.

He succeeds John Carver, whose promotion in place of Alan Pardew mid-season nearly cost the Magpies their Premier League status and who departed St James's Park, along with coach Steve Stone, on Tuesday.

"I am privileged to be appointed head coach of Newcastle United. This is a big club with a wonderful heritage," McClaren told Newcastle's official website.

"St James's Park is like a cathedral on a Saturday afternoon, a symbol for the city and I am excited to be given this opportunity.

"I know how important Newcastle United is to the city and the region. The supporters are some of the most loyal, passionate and devoted in the world. Despite everything they maintain their faith. We owe it to them to do everything we can to reward them with success.

"There's a lot of work to do but the club has made it clear about wanting success and I would not have come here if I didn't believe they were serious.

"This club has waited far too long to win a trophy. That's one of my primary objectives here. I've already won trophies as a manager and a club the size of Newcastle United should be winning cups and finishing in the top eight in the Premier League.

"I'm determined to give the supporters of Newcastle United a team they can be proud of. The hard work starts now."

Goal reported last week that McClaren would take over in the north east at the third time of asking, after he had twice turned down approaches in January and towards the end of the Premier League season.

 

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Man City will make high-quality signings, promises chairman

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak has promised to make several high-profile signings capable of taking the club to the "next level" this summer.

After being frustrated by finishing last season empty-handed, the City supremo is keen to oversee a revamping of Manuel Pellegrini's squad in order to compete on several fronts.

"We've created a nucleus and we want to preserve that nucleus," Khaldoon told the club's official website. "But at the same time, we want to go to the next level with a squad that has the capability and quality to win the Premier League and compete in and win the Champions League and go all the way in two cup competitions in England.

"You will see some changes. Some players who have served us well but they will move on to the next challenges, while you will see us in the market bringing high-quality individuals to fit in with what we are aspiring to become in this summer.

"I can assure you this squad will be stronger and the team will be more competitive. I am confident and excited about what is coming next year.

"I want the disappointment of last year behind me and behind us all. We have all turned the page and the energy right now is positive energy to getting back on track and winning back the Premier League and getting a better performance in the Champions League. That is absolutely what is driving us right now."

The City chairman believes that the club are an appealing prospect for any potential new recruits but expects a huge summer all across the transfer market.

"We're a very attractive proposition so we can go right now and compete head to head and have a valued proposition that is attractive for players," he added. "But, nevertheless, we're also in a situation where the market is a hot market.

"Last year was a very interesting market, we saw a lot of transactions that surprised many of us and I think this year also will be an aggressive market.

"You have a lot of movement that you're seeing right now. I expect it will be a huge market this summer from what I have heard and sensed so far and we haven't even started."

 

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Mourinho: I can get the best out of Falcao

Jose Mourinho says he will relish the opportunity to help Radamel Falcao get back to his best form if the striker signs for Chelsea.

Mourinho is the driving force behind the Blues' interest in Falcao as he believes he can help return him to the prolific form he showed at Porto and Atletico Madrid.

Mourinho has now confirmed as much in public, telling DirecTv Sports: "It really hurts me that people in England believe that Falcao is the guy they saw at Manchester United.

"He's a player I know, one that I've followed since Atletico Madrid and if I can help Falcao arrive at his level I will do it."

Falcao is keen to stay in the Premier League and wants to link up with Mourinho at Stamford Bridge after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season.

United did not take up the option-to-buy clause in the Colombian's one-year loan deal from Monaco after he failed to make a positive impact for Louis van Gaal's side.

The 29-year-old scored just four goals in 26 Premier League games and it was reported halfway through the campaign that his relationship with Van Gaal had deteriorated following a number of clashes.