..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

I want Ibrahimovic back at AC Milan - Berlusconi

AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi says he would "very much" like to see Zlatan Ibrahimovic return to the club.The striker has been linked with a move away from Paris Saint-Germain, with the Rossoneri reported to be interested in bringing him back to San Siro.

The 33-year-old spent two seasons at Milan after joining from Barcelona, during which time he won Serie A and the Supercoppa Italiana.And Berlusconi admits he would like to see the Sweden international in the red and black of Milan once again.

"I know the fans would like to see him playing again in our shirt," he told Milan Channel. "I too of course would like to see that very much."Milan are looking to improve on last season's 10th placed finish in Serie A last season, having replaced coach Filippo Inzaghi with Sinisa Mihajlovic.

The former Inter defender joins after a bright spell in charge of Sampdoria and Berlusconi is confident he is the right man for the club.

"Sinisa is an extremely serious and intelligent coach, I am convinced that he is suitable for our project. Based on first impressions, it seems that everyone involved wants the club to do well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chile 0-0 Argentina (4-1 on penalties): Hosts win first Copa America

Chile finally won their first major trophy to spark jubilant scenes in Santiago as Argentina were beaten 4-1 on penalties in the Copa America final on Saturday.

Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega missed from the spot in a shootout at Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos following a drab goalless encounter, as Argentina endured more heartbreak almost a year after losing the World Cup final against Germany.

Higuain blasted high over the crossbar and fellow substitute Banega's tame effort was saved by Claudio Bravo, so Alexis Sanchez had the chance to end Chile's long wait for a Copa title and the Arsenal forward did so in style with a cheeky effort.

Four-time runners-up Chile celebrated in style as Argentina were left to reflect on what might have been once again, as their 22-year wait for a major trophy goes on.

Argentina have now lost two of the last three Copa finals and Lionel Messi - the only Argentina player to score in the shootout - is still to lift a major trophy at international level.

A capacity crowd generated a tremendous atmosphere and Chile, coached by an Argentine in Jorge Sampaoli, appeared to be inspired as they made an encouraging start.Eduardo Vargas' long-range strike flashed narrowly wide before Sergio Romero got down to his left to keep out Arturo Vidal's volley following a swift Chile break.

Chile goalkeeper Bravo was then called into action to keep out Sergio Aguero's close-range header after the striker had got on the end of Messi's dangerous free-kick.

The game was being played at a frantic pace and Vargas should have done better when he raced onto a ball over the top of the Argentina defence, but blasted high over the crossbar.

The Albiceleste suffered a blow when Angel Di María pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury just before the half-hour mark, with Ezequiel Lavezzi replacing the Manchester United winger - who missed the World Cup final due to a thigh problem.

Lavezzi had a great chance to make an impact when Aguero cut the ball back into his path just before half-time, but the Paris-Saint Germain forward shot straight at Bravo.

Both sides were lacking quality in the final third, but Sanchez almost conjured up a moment of magic to win it when he showed great technique to volley just wide of the far post seven minutes from time.

Argentina had one final chance to snatch victory in normal time when Lavezzi's cross had a little too much on it and Higuain could only fire into the side-netting at full stretch beyond the back post two minutes into time added on.

Sanchez had the only opportunity in the first half of extra time when he raced away following a mistake from Javier Mascherano, but shot just over the crossbar under pressure from the covering Pablo Zabaleta.

Lavezzi appealed for a penalty when he went down under a challenge from Francisco Silva with five minutes remaining, but referee Wilmar Roldan saw nothing untoward and it came as no surprise that the game would be settled by a shootout.

It was advantage Chile when Higuain fired Argentina's second spot-kick high over the bar, then Banega's poor effort was kept out by Bravo to allow Sanchez to win it.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Germany Women 0-1 England Women (AET): Lionesses claim third place at World Cup

England Women made more history on Saturday as they sealed third-place in the 2015 Women’s World Cup with a gritty 1-0 win over Germany in Edmonton.

Having been beaten in the most heartbreaking fashion by Japan on Thursday, with Laura Bassett’s injury-time own goal proving decisive, Mark Sampsons’s side again impressed against one of the best teams at the tournament, with Fara Williams’ extra-time penalty proving decisive.

As a result, the Lionesses, who have captivated a nation, earned the second best tournament finish of any England team in history, second only to the men of 1966.

From the off, Germany looked to impose themselves but the Lionesses’ captain Steph Houghton, so stoic in defence, ensured that the pre-tournament favourites did not take an early lead, clearing off the line following an inadvertent header from Jo Potter.

Houghton had been beaten in the first minute – as Lena Petermann tested Karen Bardsley – but barely put a foot wrong thereafter, though she should have given England the lead in the 12th minute. A corner evaded German heads and found the central defender six yards out, but she could only scuff the ball into the grateful arms of Nadine Angerer.

An end-to-end start drew to a close when Steph Diebritz fired over from range for Germany, with both teams settling into the match.

One bright spot for England at the World Cup has been the performances of Lucy Bronze and the full-back again enhanced her burgeoning reputation with a lung-busting display, and she jinked her way into the box on the half-hour mark, only to be dispossessed at the last.

Germany emerged for the second half with renewed purpose, with Bardsley being forced into a good save from Tabea Kemme.

Germany continued to press, but were frustrated, with the inspirational Houghton organising and cajoling her defence from deep, and England had several opportunities to win the game in the final 15 minutes.

Jill Scott, for one, spurned a glorious chance, as she attempted to trick Angerer and her defence and was tackled after being played through by a delicious Eniola Aluko through ball.

Aluko then wasted a chance of her own, as she attempted to control a glorious pass on her head, and inadvertently overran the ball, with Angerer again the grateful recipient.

Despite their late pressure, England could not find a goal and extra-time was needed.

Germany again looked to press forward, but England would not be denied, and finally broke the deadlock in the 108th minute.

Kemme, the German defender, pulled Leanne Sanderson to the ground in the area and Williams stepped up to slot home the resulting penalty, sending Angerer the wrong way.

England then stood firm, with Houghton and Co. refusing to bow to late German pressure, as the Lionesses earned a bronze medal for the first time in their history.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I always dreamed of lifting the Copa - Claudio Bravo

Claudio Bravo was elated to have achieved his dream of winning Copa América 2015 with Chile.La Roja met Argentina in the final at the Estadio Nacional on Saturday, but 120 minutes of football failed to produce a goal so the game went to penalties.

Jorge Sampaoli's men emerged as 4-1 victors from the shoot-out, with Bravo denying Éver Banega from the spot after Gonzalo Higuaín had blazed over before Alexis Sánchez converted the winning kick.

The triumph meant Chile got their hands on the trophy for the first time in their history, and the goalkeeper was delighted to have reached one of his career goals.
"I always dreamed of lifting the Copa one day," Bravo told reporters.

"It was the moment. We had to leave the negative history behind. This is dedicated to all Chileans."La Roja were eliminated from the World Cup in Brazil last year in a penalty shoot-out with the hosts, and Bravo believes that held them in good stead this time around."We had the experience from the World Cup. I told my team-mates that they would miss two penalties and we were going to win," he added.

Team-mate Arturo Vidal - who was awarded the MasterCard Man of the Match award for his role in the victory - also dedicated the title to the nation's public and stated that Chile were deserved winners.

"The Chilean people needed a win, something as beautiful as being champions of the Copa América is what I think this country needed," Vidal said after the game.
"Now we will fight to the maximum for the next World Cup, but today we took an amazing step and this generation deserved it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Martino: Argentina should have won the Copa América final

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino says his team were unlucky to lose out to Chile in the final of the Copa América on Saturday and claims he is behind his players "to the death"

The Albiceleste missed out on the trophy after losing to the hosts on penalties following 120 minutes without a goal from either side in Santiago.

"We didn't play like we do usually and nor did Chile," Martino said after the game. "The two teams had more success in neutralising each other than in creating. Argentina didn't create much and Chile didn't create much."I believe the two picked teams to neutralise the other. We played against the team that had scored the most goals and they didn't create chances.

"It's reciprocal. So it's unfair to talk about why Argentina didn't play like they usually do without asking why Chile didn't play as they usually do.

"We controlled their players in midfield. We also controlled [Jorge] Valdivia and Alexis Sánchez. My recognition for Chile has been from day one, but if you ask me about today's game, I believe Argentina should have won."Martino missed out on a trophy at the first time of asking, while his players ended up empty-handed once again after losing the World Cup final to Germany in Brazil last year.

But the coach insists they will look to the future and keep trying to bring an end to their 22-year wait for a senior international title."We will keep moving forward, just like these players did after the World Cup," he added.

"Honestly I'm with these players to the death because they work with commitment and honesty. They suffer, they need this. We will keep trying."And after losing out this time, Martino maintains he would go about the match in the same way if the two teams met again.

"In the way we go about looking for the victory, I would do exactly the same thing tomorrow," he said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi's Argentina trophy will come at some point - Lavezzi

Ezequiel Lavezzi still believes Lionel Messi will inspire Argentina to an international title despite suffering defeat to Chile in the Copa América 2015 final.

There were no goals in regulation time at the Estadio Nacional, though Gonzalo Higuaín spurned a golden opportunity in second-half stoppage time after being played in by Lavezzi - who came on as a substitute when Ángel Di María picked up an injury in the opening period.

Penalties were required after a further goalless 30 minutes of extra time, and Messi found the net with La Albiceleste's first spot-kick.

However, Higuaín missed from 12 yards before Éver Banega saw his effort kept out by Claudio Bravo, leaving Alexis Sánchez to score the winning kick and ensure Argentina's 22-year long trophy drought continues.And although Lavezzi feels the team missed the chance to go down in the history books, he is sure that La Albiceleste captain will lead the team to glory some day.

"At some point Leo [Messi] is going to win something with Argentina," he told reporters."We thought this was an opportunity to make our mark, but unfortunately we could not. It hurts a lot.

"Once again we are left with a bitter taste. It hurts because we believed that this was the chance to win something.

"I think that we should continue on this path. We are all very good in terms of the group. We are just missing that little step to achieve something."Javier Mascherano - who has now been a runner-up at three separate Copa América editions - was disconsolate in the face of defeat.

Following their World Cup final defeat in 2014, he described failure at the final hurdle once again as a '"torture"."I cannot find a way to describe it. Hopefully, in the future Argentina can win," Mascherano told reporters."I wanted enjoyment with this shirt like anyone, but I have to suffer.

"I spoke with Carlitos [Tevez]. Three finals of the Copa América and I lost all three. I cannot find an explanation."I thank the fans for the support, like a year ago at the World Cup. We could not provide the joy that we wanted. It is a torture.

"It's a great sadness, especially for us who were doing very good things."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jimenez: I can win Atletico Madrid place

Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez insists he is happy to stay at Vicente Calderon despite failing to make an impact in his first season there.


The €10.5 million signing from Club America made 21 appearances in La Liga but only scored once last term, eventually failing to complete a full 90 minutes for the former Spanish champions.


But despite falling behind Antoine Griezmann, Mario Mandzukic and Fernando Torres in the pecking order, Jimenez stated he still intends to fight for his place in Diego Simeone's side amidst reported interest from Porto, Benfica and Granada.


"As it stands, I am an Atletico Madrid player," the Mexico international told La Verdad.


"I'm really happy where I am, and eager to start getting more playing time. But I'm sure that will come gradually and I can win a permanent place.
"I'm on holiday and when I get back to Madrid I'm sure I'll find out a little more about my future."


Atletico have allowed Mandzukic to join Juventus but have already moved swiftly to replace the Croatian, with the arrival of Porto's Jackson Martinez imminent.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Argentina bottled Copa America opportunity, says Di Maria

Argentina midfielder Angel Di Maria lamented his country's missed chances following their 4-1 defeat on penalties to Chile in the Copa America final on Saturday.


The showpiece encounter was forced into extra-time and then the shoot-out as la Roja successfully muzzled the threat of the Albiceleste's forward line, before Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega's misses from the spot handed the hosts their first ever major trophy.


Defeat meant Argentina's 22-year silverware drought continues, though, with Di Maria - who was forced off the pitch with a hamstring injury before the half-hour mark - left to vent his frustration at their latest failure, after they lost the World Cup final to Germany last summer in extra-time.


"Again it was decided in a matter of seconds, and again we could not achieve our objective," the Manchester United player conceded to reporters after the match.


"We did everything to win, we had many chances. Near the end, Pipita [Gonzalo Higuain] nearly got a goal, while Marquitos [Marcos Rojo] should have had a penalty awarded to him"Chile's tactics in the match were perfect."


The last the 14-time South American champions tasted Copa America success had been in 1993, after they successfully defended the trophy they won in 1991.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Riquelme: Snubbing Manchester United is my only regret

Juan Roman Riquelme says that his decision to reject a move to Manchester United in 2006 is the only regret of his career.

The former Barcelona midfielder helped Villarreal reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2005-06 – where they went on to lose to Arsenal – with his performances attracting the attention of Alex Ferguson and United.

A cultured playmaker, Riquelme won three Copa Libertadores trophies with Boca Juniors, two Interto Cups with Villarreal, and also helped Argentina win gold at the 2008 Olympics, whilst winning the Argentine Footballer of the Year award four times between 2000 and 2011.

Riquelme, who is now retired following a short stay at Argentinos Juniors, says that the Red Devils attempted to acquire his signature prior to Villarreal's clash with the Gunners and he maintains that his decision to snub United's advances - because of his comfort in Spain - still rankles.

"The only thing I regret in my career was a decision that I took, when at the hotel in England before the semi-final with Arsenal, when Manchester United came to buy me and I said no," he told Mundo Deportivo.

"I stayed at Villarreal, because I was very comfortable with my team-mates."

Having been rejected by Riquelme, United instead signed Michael Carrick from Tottenham in the summer of 2006.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Douglas Costa not at Robben or Ribery's level - Lucescu

Douglas Costa is not yet ready to displace Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben at Bayern Munich, according to Mircea Lucescu, the Brazilian's former coach at Shakhtar Donetsk.


Bayern signed the 24-year-old for €30 million to bolster their options in attack after Robben and Ribery's injury-hit seasons contributed to Bayern's defeats in the Champions League and DFB-Pokal semi-finals.


But though Lucescu believes Costa has the potential to eventually become a game-changer for die Roten, he nevertheless maintains his protege is not yet of the calibre to fill Ribery or Robben's boots.


"I don't think Douglas is good enough to start for Bayern yet," the 69-year-old told Bild.



"Ribery and Robben are still on a different plain. But Douglas is can grow further there and still make it.



"He has the quality, but the Bundesliga is at a different level [compared to the Ukrainian Premier League]."


Costa moved to Donbass Arena from Gremio in 2010 and had gone on to score 38 goals in 202 appearances in all competitions before his transfer last Wednesday.


The Brazil international is Pep Guardiola's third signing this summer following the arrivals of goalkeeper Sven Ulreich as well as ex-Red Bull Leipzig loanee and Stuttgart talent Joshua Kimmich.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lehmann: Ozil needs to step up for Arsenal in big games

Mesut Ozil needs to improve his performances for Arsenal in big games, according to former goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

Ozil joined Arsenal from Real Madrid two seasons ago and, despite flattering to deceive in his debut campaign at the Emirates Stadium, gained plaudits for adapting to the rigours of Premier League life in 2014-15.

The Germany international, acquired for €50 million, scored five goals and provided nine assists last season, but Lehmann insists that the 26-year-old must start stamping his authority on high-profile matches.

"Everyone knows he can be a fantastic player. But you need to be a fantastic player in the big games," Lehmann told The Sun. "You don't need to be a fantastic player in the small games and mediocre player in the big games.

"He can definitely do that but now he must prove it. You need to know how to think and how to programme yourself.

"Of course he can improve. You can't get better on the day that you retire from football - but you can every day before that."

Arsenal have won consecutive FA Cups since Ozil's arrival, with the midfielder featuring in both final victories, over Hull City and Aston Villa.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern Munich have shown no faith in Gotze, claims agent

Mario Gotze's agent has hit out at Bayern Munich for not showing his client enough faith, stating the midfielder is suffering from a crisis of confidence as a result.


The 23-year-old made headlines in 2013 for a €37 million move to the German champions but has failed to become pivotal in coach Pep Guardiola's plans, with the Catalan unable to find the World Cup-winner's best position on the field.


His struggles culminated in being dropped for die Roten's Champions League and DFB-Pokal semi-final clashes last term despite injuries to Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, and his representative has now revealed the dissatisfaction at the situation.


"It is natural that he was disappointed and he reflected afterwards," Volker Struth told Bild. "Of course, I sometimes wished that Mario would have got more backing.


"As a player you are wondering: 'Why am I not playing as a starter?' Mario explicitly went to Bayern in order to play such great matches and win titles."
Nevertheless, Struth insisted Gotze is happy to remain at Allianz Arena and fight for his place despite increased competition coming in the form of new arrival Douglas Costa."No. Mario did not even think about that [a summer exit] for a second," he continued. "He is an unbelievably professional footballer who works very hard. Many people don't see that at all.


"I think the evaluation of his two years at Bayern is often incorrect. He played around 50 games each season and won four titles. And you should never forget that he recently became only 23 years old."I am convinced: if Mario feels confidence it is easier for him to bring his unbelievable potential on the field. Then he will be one of the best players in the world."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern Munich have shown no faith in Gotze, claims agent

Okatane ithin join une
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United are not a big enough club for Lloris - Domenech

Raymond Domenech has urged Hugo Lloris to leave Tottenham in order to play in the Champions League, but insists the Frenchman should reject a move to Manchester United.

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a summer bid for Lloris, with David de Gea having told the club of his desire to move to Real Madrid.

The Spurs goalkeeper has repeatedly evaded questions on a potential move to Old Trafford, but former France coach Domenech insists that such a transfer would represent a sideways step for his compatriot, and says that he should only leave White Hart Lane to join a top-three Premier League side or a major club abroad.

"I have no decision to take for him, but in my opinion he has to play in Chelsea, Arsenal, or Manchester City, to play in the European Cup," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.

"Tottenham is a big club – it is not the biggest. Manchester United qualified for the Champions League, but I can't see really the difference with Tottenham.

"For me, it's Chelsea, Arsenal, or Manchester City. Because I think Manchester United is no more a big club, in England, for me. I think like that.

"I think Arsenal will be every time a big club, Chelsea also – City is becoming a big club – but I think United is with Tottenham, with the other clubs. Not one of the biggest clubs, so there's no difference.

"For me, he's a great goalkeeper so he needs to be in the best English club, or French, or Italian, or German."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United are not a big enough club for Lloris - Domenech

Kochchara loku wenna oneda danne naha
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

England hero Sampson backed for Premier League job

England Women's coach Mark Sampson can manage in the Premier League, according to former Swansea City academy manager David Moss.

Sampson, 32, enjoyed a superb campaign in the Women's World Cup, with England finishing third by virtue of Saturday's 1-0 extra-time win over Germany – thus making their campaign the most successful of any England team since the male side of 1966.

Moss worked with Sampson at Swansea and believes that the success of Garry Monk at the Liberty Stadium proves that youth is no obstacle to managing in the top flight.

"A lot of clubs will have seen what such a young guy has done at the World Cup and will want to speak to him," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.

"I don't see why we wouldn’t see him in the Premier League soon. He is a fantastic manager and clearly has the ability - he just needs the opportunity.

"He started in the men's game and I'm sure Mark has aspirations to manage at the highest level."

Moss, who now works as a scout for Celtic, continued: "Clubs all over the country will recognise what he has done and realise he can do that elsewhere.

"Had they won the World Cup, then you would have to say he couldn't do much more in the women's game."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Atletico fans will never forgive De Gea if he joins Madrid - Ujfalusi

Former Atletico Madrid defender Tomas Ujfalusi believes fans would take a move by club youth product David de Gea to Real Madrid as a serious sign of betrayal.


De Gea is heavily tipped to join Madrid this summer from Manchester United, despite having joined the Rojiblancos at the age of just 13 and going on to win the Europa League and European Super Cup with the first team.


And the reports have prompted the goalkeeper's former team-mate Ujfalusi to declare his surprise, stating the 24-year-old's lack of loyalty would not go down well across the city.


"No, no, no. They are not going to forgive him [if he moves to Real Madrid], for sure," the retired Czech Republic international, who represented Atletico from 2008 to 2011, told the Daily Mail.


"It's also a surprise for me because he's an Atletico Madrid fan – when he was young his heart was with Atletico Madrid. It's not going to be easy for him to make this decision."


Nevertheless, Ujfalusi insists the Spaniard - whom he believes to be the best in England - is ready to take the next step in his career after a season in which he was Manchester United's standout performer.


"I have to say De Gea [is better than Arsenal keeper Petr Cech and Chelsea counterpart Thibaut Courtois]," he continued. "I was working with him for more than two years, and he was playing really well.


"The beginning in Manchester United wasn't so easy for him, but I think now he' s back in his old form and playing very well."


Real Madrid have been in hot pursuit of De Gea as a replacement for captain Iker Casillas, who has been inconsistent between the posts and guilty of several high-profile blunders since being benched by Jose Mourinho in 2013.
United are reluctant to let go of their shot-stopper despite him only having a year remaining on his contract, however, and are thought to be pursuing Sergio Ramos as a makeweight in any potential deal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bartra: I rejected offers to stay at Barcelona

Barcelona defender Marc Bartra says he has rejected offers to move to another club, but will remain at Camp Nou to fight for his in Luis Enrique's team.

The Barca youth system graduate had been tipped to assume his place at the centre of defence last season but was stuck behind Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique and Jeremy Mathieu in the pecking order as the Blaugrana went on to win the European and domestic treble.

However, Bartra remains keen to build on his recent campaign and is confident that his chance to establish himself as a regular will eventually arrive under current coach Luis Enrique, who also took charge of him in Barcelona B."The end of the season was hard, because at the start of the campaign I played more football and at the end I didn't play as much," the 24-year-old told Sport.

"I was thinking calmly about leaving a Barca team who had always treated me so well. The offers that arrived made me consider my future, but with a coach like Luis Enrique you know that eveything can change in a year, so I am going to give everything.

"Every player wants to play in the big games and I know that it isn't easy at Barca. I have enjoyed myself a lot with the team and there is still much to be won."
The Spain international broke into the first team in 2010 and has since gone on to make 79 appearances in all competitions, including 25 last term in an historic campaign.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tuchel: Dortmund fans should lay off Gundogan

New Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel has issued a strong riposte to fans who booed Ilkay Gundogan during Saturday's 17-0 win over a team of German Olympians in a charity match.

The midfielder had initially decided not to extend his contract with BVB beyond 2016 and was looking to move away from Signal Iduna Park this summer, however, he has since changed his mind and signed a new deal which ties him to the club until 2017.

As a result of the apparent lack of commitment to the club, Gundogan was given a nasty reception by sections of the Dortmund fans as his side strolled to victory.

But Tuchel came out strongly in defence of the 24-year-old, who was forced to publish a statement denying he was leaving the club in search of money in June, saying it was he who wanted to keep the Germany international.

"I am glad that he is here," the coach told reporters. "It was I who wanted to keep him. I believe that, as a response to the audience's actions, is enough."

Tuchel oversaw his second victory at Dortmund following their 5-0 thumping over third-tier side VFL Rhede. His side's performance on Saturday, which featured hat-tricks from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Jonas Hofmann and Ciro Immobile, convinced the new boss that they would regain their former fear factor at home once again following last season's seventh-placed finish in the Bundesliga."We want to make our stadium a fortress again," the 41-year-old continued. "Opponents will get abdominal pains when they play here again."

Nevertheless, he admitted his uncertainty over the future of last summer's big signing Ciro Immobile, stating: "I do not know where he will play next term. That will depend on him."

The 2012-13 Serie A top goalscorer arrived in Dortmund for €20 million as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski but failed to make an impression in his first capaign, scoring just three goals in 24 Bundesliga outings.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter should be relegated for Salah debacle - Panerai

Inter should be relegated from Serie A for breaking transfer rules in trying to sign Mohamed Salah, according to Fiorentina vice-president Paolo Panerai.

The winger joined Fiorentina on loan from Chelsea in January on an 18 month deal as part of the transfer which saw Juan Cuadrado go the opposite way.

However, the 23-year-old has the option to remain at Fiorentina for the remaining 12 months or return to Stamford Bridge and the Egypt international has made clear that he wants to end his time at the Stadio Artemio Franchi and reportedly join Inter.

Fiorentina have already said they plan to take legal action against the player and, in a series of tweets, Panerai called for action to be taken against Inter, while he also called on the president of the Italian Olympic Committee, Giovanni Malago, to intervene.“Dear Giovanni, Salah is the final straw. We can no longer tolerate that signatures and rules are worth less than zero," he said.

“If football clubs were to respect transparency rules, then Inter would already have been relegated. Whose money is it being used, is it starting from the Cayman Islands?

“Michel Platini knows that Inter have broken the Uefa Fair Play rules. For Salah and other players who cost millions. This is the chance to make an example of them.”