..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Isco staying at Real Madrid after Benitez phone call

Isco will remain at Real Madrid after being assured by new coach Rafael Benitez that he will be a key part of his plans this coming season.

Isco's future at the Santiago Bernabeu had been in doubt, after the Spain international lost his place in the Blancos starting line-up during the second half of last season when Luka Modric and James Rodriguez returned from injury.

Though the 23-year-old is well settled in the Spanish capital, he was concerned about the possible arrival of another midfielder this summer, prompting talk of summer reunion with his former boss at Malaga, Manuel Pellegrini, who is now in charge of Manchester City.

However, Isco's fears have now been soothed by Benitez, who called the player shortly after being named as Carlo Ancelotti's successor and told him that he has an important role to play in Madrid's new sporting project.

As a result, Isco has dismissed all thoughts of leaving the Blancos and is now looking forward to the 2015-16 campaign with renewed vigour.The Valencia youth academy product joined Madrid from Malaga in the summer of 2013 for €30 million, penning a five-year contract with the capital club.

Isco has made 106 appearances in all competitions over the past two seasons, racking up 17 goals and 23 assists in the process.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gignac to join Tigres after leaving Marseille

France international striker Andre-Pierre Gignac will join Tigres UANL after the Liga MX club confirmed the free agent is set to undergo a medical.Tigres announced via their official Twitter account on Wednesday that Gignac will arrive in Monterrey on Thursday to be examined by the club's medical staff before completing his move to Estadio Universitario.

Reports in France claim the 30-year-old - the second highest goalscorer in Ligue 1 with Marseille in 2014-15 - will earn around $4 million a season, which would make him the best-paid player in Mexico's top flight.

Gignac has been highly sought after following his decision not to sign a new contract with Marseille.

The likes of West Ham, Newcastle United, West Brom and Dynamo Moscow have reportedly shown interest in the 19-cap international.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gignac ge carrer 1ka winasa wenawa Liga MX giyoth nam​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool close on Gomez as Skrtel agrees new deal

Joe Gomez is set to undergo a medical at Liverpool ahead of a €4.9 million move to Anfield from Charlton Athletic.

News of the transfer - which would represent the Reds' third signing of the summer - comes amid reports that fellow defender Martin Skrtel is poised to commit his future to the club.

Goal understands that Brendan Rodgers's side have beaten off competition from six clubs to secure Gomez's signature.

The 18-year-old, who made 24 appearances for Charlton last term, follows in the footsteps of James Milner and Danny Ings by moving to Anfield in the close-season so far.

Skrtel, meanwhile, is set to sign a new deal, despite branding Liverpool's last contract offer "unacceptable".

The Slovakia defender's agent admits that Inter expressed an interest in acquiring his client but says that he is instead set to pen a new deal on Merseyside.

"I confess that there were not mere rumours, the interest from Inter was real," Karol Csonto is quoted as saying by the Daily Express, "but then the deal did not go ahead, there was contact made.

"The player had been thinking about his future and eventually opted to remain at Liverpool. At this time I can say that it is likely [he will sign a new contract]."

Liverpool announced the signing of Milner in early June on a free transfer from Manchester City, while they wrapped up a deal for Ings, whose contract had also expired with relegated Burnley.

And with the summer transfer window coming into focus, they are hopeful of prising Christian Benteke from Aston Villa and Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Alexis gives 'full support' to Vidal after crash

Arsenal and Chile star Alexis Sanchez has backed Arturo Vidal after the midfielder apologised for drink-driving.

On Tuesday, Vidal crashed his Ferrari while driving under the influence of alcohol, on his way back to the Chile camp after a visit to a casino.

Though he was not released from his Copa America duties, the Juventus midfielder had his license revoked following a court hearing on Wednesday.

Vidal professed himself to be "really ashamed of what happened" in a tearful press conference and his team-mate is keen to support him through the criticism.

"I back you and give you my full support as always," Alexis wrote on an Instagram post. "The most important thing is that you, your family and everyone else are well. I love you."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cazorla commits to Arsenal: Atletico Madrid rumours are false


Santi Cazorla has dismissed "false" suggestions that he will move to Atletico Madrid this summer and insists that he is "very happy" at Arsenal.

The midfielder has been strongly linked with a switch to the Spanish capital following an impressive season in which he played a key role in the Gunners' successful FA Cup defence.

But Cazorla says that he is focused only on Arsenal and intends to see out the two years remaining on his contract in north London.

"Rumours about Atletico Madrid are false. Currently, I just focus on Arsenal. I have two more years on my contract here and I hope to complete them," the midfielder told Goal.

"I'm very happy in Arsenal and in the Premier League. I feel loved and valued by the team and supporters."

The 30-year-old was Arsene Wenger's choice as the Gunners' player of the season and played a key role in Arsenal's excellent form in the second half of the campaign as they finished third in the Premier League before beating Aston Villa in the FA Cup final.

The Spain international thrived in a deep-lying midfield role and has urged Arsenal to continue their momentum into next season to challenge for a first title since 2004.

"I don't know if this was my best year of my career but I felt so good with the team, playing in a new position that I feel comfortable in," Cazorla added. "I hope next year to be even better.

"If we want to fight for Premier League, we must maintain the level of the second half of last season. I think that that we need to fight against Chelsea, [Manchester] City and [Manchester] United, they will be stronger next season".

"We are so happy to win the FA Cup again, it is very important for us to win trophies and now we are preparing ourselves for the next season. We want to make a step up in our quality and hope to fight for Premier League and go further in the Champions League."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo is out of this world: Astronomers name galaxy 'CR7'

Real Madrid 's 'galactico' era may have ended but their Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo continues to prove he is out of this world after a galaxy was named 'CR7'.

The nickname is synonymous with the former Manchester United man, comprising his initials and the squad number he used at both Old Trafford and the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, it now has astronomical connotations after the European Southern Observatory (ESO) named a new galaxy in the 30-year-old's honour, describing it as the brightest to be found in the early universe.

"Astronomers using ESO's Very Large Telescope have discovered by far the brightest galaxy yet found in the early Universe and found strong evidence that examples of the first generation of stars lurk within it," the group explained.

"These massive, brilliant, and previously purely theoretical objects were the creators of the first heavy elements in history - the elements necessary to forge the stars around us today, the planets that orbit them, and life as we know it.

"The newly found galaxy, labelled CR7, is three times brighter than the brightest distant galaxy known up to now."The CR7 epithet, in astronomical terms, stands for Cosmic Redshift 7 - a method of measuring a celestial body's place along the timescale of the universe.

The discovery came after a new expansive study of the skies - aimed at discovering ancient stars known as Population III stars, which were formed very early after the Big Bang - and it is hoped CR7 will help scientists understand how early elements came into being.

"Those stars were the ones that formed the first heavy atoms that ultimately allowed us to be here. It doesn’t really get any more exciting than this," said team leader David Sobral.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Adriano could leave Barcelona, admits agent

Barcelona defender Adriano is desperate for more playing time and could well leave the club this summer, according to his agent.

The 30-year-old full back has found himself behind the likes of Jordi Alba, Dani Alves and Jeremy Mathieu in the pecking order at Camp Nou over the past year and managed just 16 games in La Liga - 10 of which were starts - during the 2014-15 campaign.

Paulo Afonso, the Brazilian's representative, says the player is happy with general life at the club but is prepared to listen to offers from a Champions League side if they can offer him more regular action.

"Adriano is very happy at Barcelona, he gets along well with everyone and has written true history there," Afonso told Mundo Deportivo. "Adriano is very grateful to Barca for all these years and all the titles he's won."But he wants to play, he wants more minutes, and that's the only thing that could see him leave Barca.

"We are listening to offers and, when we meet with the player, we will get together with the club and find the best solution for both parties.

"He wants to have more minutes and to play for a Champions League team."
Adriano, who joined Barca from Sevilla in 2010, has won three Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and two Champions Leagues in a trophy-laden five-year spell in Catalunya.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Roma should target Higuain over Bacca, argues Giannini

Roma should try to sign Gonzalo Higuain or Edin Dzeko instead of Carlos Bacca, according to their former midfielder Giuseppe Giannini.

Rudi Garcia is in the market for a proven centre-forward and Sevilla star Bacca has emerged as a prime target, with the Colombian's agent admitting he would be tempted by a move to the Italian capital.

However, Giannini - who spent 15 years with the Giallorossi - is not wholly convinced by Bacca and has urged the club to turn elsewhere.

"I'm not convinced," he told Tuttomercatoweb. "They need an expert centre-forward who can play in all competitions, especially the Champions League. Bacca only really emerged last year.

"I would go for Higuain or Dzeko. The Argentine especially would be perfect, given his relationship with Napoli is no longer exciting. If he wants to play in the Champions League, Roma could be a great opportunity."

Giannini does, however, believe a double-bid for Genoa's Iago Falque and Andrea Bertolacci would be a smart move, with both players understood to be on Roma's radar."They would both be great signings, particularly Bertolacci, who is coming back after an important experience with the national team," said the 50-year-old.

Meanwhile, new Al Jazira head coach Abel Braga says he is excited at the prospect of bringing Gervinho to the club.

The Ivorian is expected to complete a move to the Abu Dhabi outfit in the coming weeks and Braga, who has replaced Eric Gerets at the club, is relishing the prospect of combining Gervinho with former Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic.

"This is a special club for me," he told Tuttomercatoweb."Gervinho is amazing, if all goes well then he'll come to us. With him and Vucinic together, we could aim for the top."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cazorla: Arsenal want to emulate Barcelona


Santi Cazorla says Arsenal want to become the Barcelona of the Premier League by turning their style into success.

The Gunners will target a first title since 2004 next season as they look to build on back-to-back FA Cup triumphs.

Cazorla believes Arsenal share the same philosophy as Barcelona and wants to replicate the dominance of the Spanish champions, who won the Champions League for the fourth time in nine years earlier this month.

"If Arsenal can in the future reach the level of Barcelona, that's the goal," Cazorla told Goal at the launch of Arsenal's new Puma home kit.

"Barcelona are the reference point for the football world and all of us want to be closer to them.

"All teams want to win and to do it like Barcelona. We at Arsenal like that philosophy too."

Cazorla, 30, has been linked with a return to La Liga with Atletico Madrid, but he insists he will stay at Arsenal until his contract expires in 2017.
The Spain international previously played for Villarreal and Malaga and insists the Premier League should not be considered a weaker division despite the dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid in Europe.

"La Liga and Premier League are so different, we shouldn't debate which is the best," Cazorla said. "The main difference is that in Spain there are Barcelona and Real Madrid, the greatest clubs.

"But the Premier League is more open, more fun for the spectator. I couldn't choose one which is the best. In Spain, football is more tactical. Here, there are more spaces and the play is more open.

"I don't think that the Premier League is worse because Barcelona have won the Champions League.

"The Spanish league has many things to learn from Premier League. It is an example to all leagues."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar receives provisional suspension

Brazil captain Neymar faces a provisional one-match ban for his sending off against Colombia at the Copa America, but could yet face further sanction.

The Barcelona star had already been booked during Brazil's 1-0 defeat, but was shown a straight red card after the final whistle following an on-pitch fracas after appearing to kick the ball at Colombia's Pablo Armero and then seemingly attempting to headbutt Jeison Murillo.

It means Neymar will definitely miss Brazil's final Group C game against Venezuela.However, the Conmebol Disciplinary Tribunal are set to meet on Friday and could decide to increase Neymar's suspension.

Neymar claimed he was being treated unfairly by officials after the match, while team-mate Dani Alves also blamed referee Enrique Osses.

 

[JCT]

Brazil 0-1 Colombia: Murillo shocks struggling Selecao


Brazil have lost their second Copa America Group C encounter 1-0 to Colombia following Jeison Murillo's first-half strike.

The victory was only Colombia's third in 28 meetings with Brazil, while they had only beaten their neighbours once before in a competitive fixture - a 2-0 triumph at the 1991 Copa America.

Central defender Murillo scored the only goal of the game nine minutes before half-time, while the Granada man also played a critical role at the back, combining brilliantly with Cristian Zapata to corral the likes of Neymar and Roberto Firmino.

Having at times struggled to get out of their own half in the opening 30 minutes, Colombia hit the front in the 36th minute when Brazil failed to deal with Juan Cuadrado's free-kick.

The Chelsea attacking midfielder whipped in his delivery from the right and the ball bobbled around on the edge of the six-yard box before falling to Murillo, who struck it sweetly on the turn from near the penalty spot.

After last year's World Cup quarter-final between the two sides was marred by regular fouls on James Rodriguez and Neymar, with the latter suffering a fractured vertebra after a barge from behind by Juan Camilo Zuniga, it was little surprise Wednesday's game ended with 39 fouls.

Tensions boiled over after the final whistle, with the teams having to be separated, with the referee seemingly showing a red card to Neymar and Colombia substitute Carlos Bacca.

It was also the Barcelona forward, who had Brazil's best chances to score, inexplicably heading straight at David Ospina on the cusp of half-time and dragging his shot wide when clear through on goal two minutes after the break.

In a high-tempo first half, Brazil shaded possession, although Colombia produced more shots as they focused on counter-attacking, with neither goalkeeper too busy.

After Murillo gave Colombia the lead, however, Jose Pekerman's team took control with Radamel Falcao and Teofilo Gutierrez both missing chances.

Shouts of "ole" rang out from the Colombian fans soon after as James and Co. strung passes together at will, before Cuadrado shot wide from 18 yards.

But Colombia were lucky to lead at the break after Neymar failed to put Dani Alves' cross past Ospina.

Cuadrado could have made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute when he cut in from the right, while Firmino wasted a huge opportunity to level the match six minutes later, blazing over the bar after Ospina slipped.

James was just denied what would have been a deserved second goal for Colombia in the 90th minute as Jefferson tipped his rasping drive past the post.

But having lost their Copa America opener to Venezuela 1-0, Colombia clearly needed the win more, with Pekerman's side defending desperately throughout the final 30 minutes to join Brazil and the Venezuelans on three points in Group C.

Colombia patta.....

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chicharito: Ronaldo inspired me during 'frustrating' spell

Javier Hernandez says there are "no words" to describe Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, saying that he is proof hard work pays off.

The Mexico international spent last season on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu from Manchester United, but played a bit-part role in an underwhelming campaign in which he started just seven league games.

The attacker admits that he found it frustrating sitting on the bench, but insists he learned a lot from his team-mates, including Ronaldo."Cristiano is a great player," he told Univision. "There are no words to describe him. He is a clear example that hard work pays off.

"The season at Real Madrid was one full of learning. It helped me find myself again as a player."I was on the bench a lot, which was frustrating because I was not important."

Despite his peripheral role in the team, Chicharito scored the crucial winning goal for Los Blancos in their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, and he admits this was a highlight.

"The goal against Atletico was a big relief because it was a difficult year and I had so few opportunities," he said of the late strike that was set up by the Ballon d'Or winner.

The future of the Mexico star remains uncertain, but a number of clubs have been linked with his signature this summer, and even a return to Madrid has not been discounted.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Alexis: Arturo, you better bust your ass

Alexis Sanchez says he told Chile team-mate Arturo Vidal to "bust his ass" in their final Copa America group stage game against Bolivia on Friday following the midfielder's arrest for drunk-driving in Santiago on Tuesday night.

Vidal was reprimanded by the Chilean football association (ANFP) and coach Jorge Sampaoli, but is allowed to continue with the squad for the remainder of the Copa.

Alexis acknowledged that the discipline problems within the squad must stop with Vidal's arrest, but quipped that the Juventus man better make up for causing such a distraction this week.

"I told him: 'Arturo, you better bust your ass!'" Alexis said. "It's very hard what happened with him but as a group the least we can do is put up with it as a team.
"There has been indiscipline, we were wrong, you are right about that. But we are a family and we are there to support him."

Sanchez, who has yet to score in two matches, maintained that there was a strong togetherness in the Chile squad despite Vidal's arrest and put to bed any rumours that the players were unhappy with midfielder's place in the squad.

"I hate it when people say things which are not true," he said. "All the players were with him. I hope that the people will be with him on Friday, like all his colleagues have been."The important thing is that Arturo, his wife and everyone else are well. The case of Arturo should now close and we can concentrate on the Copa America."

Sampaoli reiterated his star man's stance, stating that he has moved on from the controversy caused by Vidal's crash and arrest and that all the focus was now on Bolivia at the Estadio Nacional on Friday. Chile have four points in Group A following a win over Ecuador and a 3-3 draw against Mexico.

"What happened with Arturo was resolved rapidly and now we are concentrating on sport," said Sampaoli. "Really, all I am interested in is the game tomorrow.
"One has to search for the common good of the squad, to maintain sanity. One tries to make the best decision. I'm confident in thinking that I made the best decision and there will not be any consequences of this."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Falcao hints at imminent Chelsea move

Radamel Falcao has hinted that his move to Chelsea could be imminent.

The Premier League champions appear to be closing in on a deal for the 29-year-old, while Jose Mourinho has been at the centre of the club’s efforts to sign the striker from Monaco this summer.

Falcao is currently with the Colombia squad at the Copa America and after his country’s win over Brazil on Thursday, the forward was asked if the reports claiming he is close to joining Chelsea are true.

“It can be, you will know soon,” Falcao said with a smile.

“I’m just thinking of the Copa America and the squad. My staff are taking care of this.”

Filipe Luis featured for Brazil in their 1-0 defeat to Colombia and the left-back has supported Chelsea’s move for Falcao, despite his return of four goals in 29 appearances during his loan spell with Manchester United last season.

“I played with Radamel Falcao at Atletico, he’s a great player,” said Luis.

“I’m not sure if it’s official, but I’m sure he’d be very welcome and it would help Chelsea a lot to continue to win trophies.”

Luis’ Chelsea and Brazil team-mate Willian also believes Falcao will be a success at Stamford Bridge.

“Falcao is a great player, a striker that knows how to score. I am sure he will help us a lot. I hope he can be happy at Chelsea,” said the midfielder.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man United can match the best, insists Giggs

Manchester United have already shown under Louis van Gaal that they are capable of matching the Premier League's best teams, according to Ryan Giggs.

Van Gaal's first season in charge at Old Trafford was a rollercoaster one that ultimately yielded a fourth-place finish, some 17 points adrift of champions Chelsea.

But victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham, combined with an impressive draw at home to the Blues, have convinced Giggs that consistency is United's only obstacle to becoming genuine title challengers again.

"We've had a pretty good start and are back in the Champions League, which is exciting," Giggs told reporters when asked how the club had fared under Van Gaal.

"I think we can achieve a lot as we have shown this year we are capable of matching the best teams in the league.

"Now we just have to work on our consistency, and if we get off to a good start next season we can definitely do that."

Giggs, who made a record 963 appearances for United over a 23-year professional career before retiring to join Van Gaal's backroom team - also admits he has had to adapt to his change of career.

"As a player you're pretty selfish - you want to do well and you know what you're capable of doing and how to get it," he added.

"I wanted to be the best as a player and I want to be the best as a coach. That means working hard and doing everything you can to achieve that but also enjoying the challenge.

"You need to get the best out of 25, maybe 30, different individuals so you need to find what makes them tick and how you're going to get the best out of them."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Peru 1-0 Venezuela: Pizarro blows Group C wide open


Veteran Claudio Pizarro helped Peru to a priceless 1-0 victory against Venezuela as Ricardo Gareca's men stayed in the hunt for a Copa America quarter-final berth.Peru were left heartbroken last time out after conceding an injury-time goal in a 2-1 loss to Brazil in their Group C opener on Sunday.

The Peruvians appeared set for another frustrating outing, despite playing against 10 men for over an hour after Venezuela left-back Fernando Amorebieta was sent off for stomping on Paolo Guerrero in the 29th-minute on Thursday.

But 36-year-old Pizarro - a replacement for Jefferson Farfan in the starting line-up - spared Peru blushes with a 72nd-minute winner at Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander in Valparaiso.

Guerrero played in Pizarro, who made no mistake from close range for his 20th international goal - moving him level on Peru's all-time scoring list alongside former Newcastle United midfielder Nolberto Solano.Peru, Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil are now level on three points heading into the final round of group fixtures.

The best chance of the first half fell to striker Salomon Rondon - the hero for Venezuela in their shock 1-0 win against Colombia - in the sixth minute.

A quickly taken free-kick from Alejandro Guerra on the left wing almost picked out Rondon, who beat the offside trap just outside the six-yard box, but despite getting his outstretched boot to the ball, the Zenit forward was unable to generate enough power to trouble Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Neither team generated anything clear-cut from that point in the first 45 minutes, though the match sprung into life approaching the half-hour mark, when referee Raul Orozco issued a straight red card to Amorebieta.

Amorebieta and Guerrero battled for possession on the left wing before the former appeared to stomp on his opponent's knee.The 30-year-old's dismissal forced Venezuela into an early reshuffle and substitution, with midfielder Ronald Vargas sacrificed in favour of left-back Gabriel Cichero seven minutes before half-time.

Peru controlled proceedings from the restart, though Rondon still proved to be a handful up front as Venezuela played on the counter, almost breaking through on goal five minutes into the second half.Peru then went close to scoring just past the hour-mark but Guerrero's cross eluded his team-mates inside the penalty area.

They eventually made their numerical advantage count with 18 minutes remaining via Pizarro, who fired powerfully past Alain Baroja, despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball, as Venezuela's stubborn resistance was finally broken.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Copa America Fixtures 2015.06.19

Copa America Fixtures 2015.06.19

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Mexico Vs Ecuador

Chile Vs Bolivia

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[Wolverine GTR]

'Klopp exit shocked Dortmund'

Mitchell Langerak revealed Borussia Dortmund were "shocked" by Jurgen Klopp's decision to step down as coach.

Klopp ended his seven-year association with Dortmund following last month's DFB-Pokal defeat to Wolfsburg, despite having a contract that ran until 2018.
The coach won the Bundesliga twice and the DFB-Pokal in 2012, as well as reaching the 2013 Champions League final during his time in charge.

Dortmund's 2014-15 campaign was not as successful for the 48-year-old, though, and the team were rock-bottom at the end of January before rallying to finish in a Europa League place.

However, Dortmund goalkeeper Langerak claimed the players were surprised when Klopp announced his decision to depart in April.

"For all the players it was an emotional time. It was an end of an era. We had such a successful time together. For all the boys it was a bit of a shame," the Australia international told Perform.

"He was there for seven years, I was there for five of those and probably the five most successful. We won titles and reached some great times as a team."It was fantastic to be part of that. Obviously with him stepping down it was a shock for everybody, myself included.

"We've all had our chance to say goodbye and thank him for what he's done for our careers."It's something we will look back on and remember for years to come for what we achieved."

Klopp had a particularly significant influence on Langerak, having plucked the Australian from obscurity five years ago.

Langerak - 21 at the time - linked up with the German giants from A-League outfit Melbourne Victory in 2010, and was brought in as back up for international Roman Weidenfeller.

He has, however, slowly forced himself into first-choice reckoning, staking his claim for Dortmund's number one position with 17 appearances in all competitions last term - his best return since arriving in Europe.

"He had a massive impact on my career. When I came to Germany I was quite young," the 26-year-old said of Klopp, who once described him as a beach boy from Australia."I knew I was coming to a massive club and it wasn't going to be easy, but he definitely made the transition smooth for me.

"Over time I got my chance and played some games under him. As a person, as a coach, his mentality is brilliant. He's very charismatic and passionate. You know what you are going to get. If you perform or you give everything you have, he will be happy regardless of the outcome of the game.

"If you take his instructions, you will never have problem with him and that is something he told me in my first meeting with him before I signed."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bendtner drums up prime minister support

Wolfsburg striker and social media sensation Nicklas Bendtner has jokingly suggested he could run for Danish prime minister.

The former Arsenal striker, 27, had a poor season for Wolfsburg despite the club winning the DFB-Pokal and finishing second in the Bundesliga, scoring only one goal in 18 league appearances.

However, his performances on the pitch have not affected his mood off it as he proved on Thursday in the midst of his nation's leadership election.

On his official Instagram page, 'Lord' Bendtner shared an edited political poster of his face superimposed on to Barcelona forward Lionel Messi on one of the four occasions he has won the Ballon d'Or.

The image was only a joke and any political aspirations from the Denmark international are likely to wait until his playing days are over, although the thought of Bendtner ruling his country from the Wolfsburg bench is certainly an amusing one.

Bendtner made no hint as to whom he would be voting for, but former prime minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen's centre-right opposixtion ousted current leader Helle Thorning-Schmidt.