..::Football III::..

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Cuadrado strongly backed by Mourinho and will stay at Chelsea - agent

Juan Cuadrado is expecting to stay at Chelsea this summer and has the full support of coach Jose Mourinho, according to the winger's agent.

The former Fiorentina star has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League since he signed a four-and-a-half-year contract in January, starting just four league games as the Blues won the title.

Cuadrado has been linked with loan moves to the likes of Juventus and Inter, although reports say Mourinho is only open to a permanent transfer, but Alessandro Lucci insists the 27-year-old is very likely to stay.

Speaking to TuttoMercato, Lucci said: "I read with amazement in some English and Italian newspapers about imaginary figures and agents associated with Cuadrado, so I think it is right to clarify the situation.

"Cuadrado is a Chelsea player, strongly backed by Mourinho who believes in him. Juan is fine in London and is very likely to remain at Chelsea.

"He has interest from other teams but I repeat; Juan is a Chelsea player."

 

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'Inter thretened me, they make me sick!' - Imbula's father hits out at Nerazzurri

Giannelli Imbula's father has criticised Inter for their conduct in negotiations as they tried to sign the midfielder from Marseille.

The 22-year-old had been linked to the Serie A side as well as AC Milan, West Ham and Valencia before eventually joining Porto for €20 million this week.
And Willy Ndangi expressed his disappointment in the way Inter acted, having initially encouraged his son to join the San Siro club.

"I was very interested in his move to Inter, because it is a big club with an ambitious project," he told Journal du Dimanche. "We waited in vain for Roberto Mancini to speak to him, but for four days we did not have any sign of life from them.

"The way they acted makes me sick. They only woke up when they heard that there was interest from Porto. And their intermediaries also sent me a series of threatening text messages."

Ndangi also said an English agent tried to get involved to turn the player towards the Premier League.

"He had contact from England. Tottenham were watching him and West Ham played spoilsport. Willie McKay - an English agent - offered me €1m to take control. But let him go and spend that in the casino!

"He called Marseille president Vincent Labrune to say he was the new agent of Imbula. Labrune did not believe him, but can you imagine someone doing that?
"Anyway, Giannelli wanted a team who had qualified for the Champions League because he needs the boost to get into the plans of France coach Didier Deschamps ahead of Euro 2016."Reports said that Ndangi was to receive €2m from the move which sees his son join Porto, but he insists he will not receive that much.

"If that were the case, I would be happy," he said. "But this is wrong!My commission varies between five and eight per cent of his annual salary."

Imbula is the latest in a number of star players Marseille have lost and Ndangi maintains that if the club was in a better financial position, he would have stayed in Ligue 1.

"Yes 100% he would have stayed. But Marseille told us they want to rely on the market value of Giannelli to sovle their money problems. Without that sale, the club would have had to part with four more players."

 

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De Gea 'very calm' about future as Real Madrid links continue

David de Gea insists he is "very calm" about his future as speculation surrounding a move to Real Madrid intensifies, but would only confirm that he is heading back to Manchester United for pre-season training.

The Spain goalkeeper is expected to join Madrid this summer but, despite having told United that he will not sign a new deal and wants to move to the Santiago Bernabeu, no deal has yet been completed.

It has been widely reported that De Gea is increasingly agitated by the time it is taking to complete the transfer, with United said to be holding out for Sergio Ramos as part of the deal, but when quizzed on his future in the early hours of the morning by persistent reporters from TV station Cuatro, he did not give anything away.

"I have to return to Manchester for pre-season," he said, before adding that he is "very calm" about events so far this summer.

The journalists also tried to talk to De Gea's girlfriend, Edurne Garcia, but she would not give anything away either: "I'm going to rest, you should too at two o'clock in the morning!"

De Gea returned to Madrid but insisted upon his arrival that he was only there on holiday ahead of a return to England.

United's players return for pre-season training on Monday when, according to reports on Sunday, Louis van Gaal will insist on double sessions for his players in a bid to get them in shape for the 2015-16 campaign.

 

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Please stay with us De Gea!​

 

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Alexis Sanchez: We knew we'd win Copa America after the World Cup

Alexis Sanchez has claimed Chile 's belief that drove them to Copa America success stems all the way back to last year's World Cup.

The tournament hosts beat Argentina 4-1 in a penalty shootout in Saturday's final to end their 99-year wait for major international honours, with Sanchez securing the win with a chipped effort from 12 yards .

Having racked up 10 goals in an entertaining group stage, Chile showed the other side to their game in the knockout rounds, conceding just once in the last three matches.

Jorge Sampaoli's high-intensity style also turned heads in Brazil last year as Chile eased through the group stage, beating then-holders Spain 2-0 as they finished behind Netherlands to proceed to the knockout rounds.

Despite falling to Brazil on penalties in the second round, Sanchez believes their exploits 12 months ago provided the perfect platform to secure glory in front of their own fans.

"We talked about it in Brazil that we were going to win the Copa America," Sanchez said."This is really a great generation, we deserve this."

Chile forward Eduardo Vargas ended the tournament as joint top scorer with Peru's Paolo Guerrero and echoed Sanchez's belief that success was well earned.
He added: "It is a very important achievement for me, now I will enjoy it and hopefully we can continue on the path we are on.

"It was an extra-special tournament, because we were champions. Not to detract from the other teams, because they also did things right."It is very special. To beat our rivals leaves more content, but mostly because we won at home."

 

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Deulofeu: I wanted Everton return to be a surprise

Gerard Deulofeu has expressed his delight at signing a permanent three-year contract with Everton and says he wanted his return to be a surprise for his team-mates.

The former Barcelona winger spent a year on loan at the Merseyside outfit in the 2013-14 campaign, making 25 league appearances and scoring three goals - including an impressive strike against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

And the 21-year-old, who made his full international debut for Spain against Bolivia last year, is excited to return to Goodison Park after a spell at Sevilla last term.

Speaking to Everton's official website, Deulofeu said he kept tabs on the Toffees whenever they were on television last season, but wanted to keep his return to the club a secret.

"Yes, I always followed Everton," he said. "If the team were playing on television, I would watch the game. If not then I would look to check the results. I always wanted to see how they were doing."

He added: "I wanted to give everyone a surprise even though the papers have been putting out rumours for quite a while. I haven’t spoken to Seamus [Coleman] and I said to Joel [Robles] that coming back was an option, but I wanted to keep it a surprise for everybody."

Asked whether having already spent a season on Merseyside would aid his integration this time around, he added: "Of course, knowing the players will help me to adapt a great deal. You don’t have to start from the beginning again – you don’t have to start from zero.

"I’ve been getting messages from some of the players like Seamus and I speak to Joel as well. That will all help me to adapt again and there’s a really good atmosphere in the changing room, the guys are great."

Deulofeu struggled for game time while on loan at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan last season and although he says he is not a fan of the English climate, he is looking forward to a second crack at Premier League football.

"[I did] not [enjoy] the weather! It was a new experience at something I had never done before. I had come from Barca where I had been for such a long time. Everything was new.

"The fans and the people over here are so passionate about football. It’s similar in Spain and the people over there love their football, but it’s something completely different over here."

 

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Van Persie agent: No deal with Fenerbahce

Robin van Persie's agent denies that the Manchester United striker has agreed to join Fenerbahce.

The Netherlands international is widely expected to leave Old Trafford this summer after struggling to recapture his best form over the last two seasons.

Reports on Saturday claimed that Van Persie had nailed down personal terms with the Turkish club but his representative, Kees Vos, insists that nothing is yet settled.

"When Robin has found a new club, we will say so," Vos told the press.

The former Arsenal star indicated earlier this summer that his priority is to guarantee first-team football to impress in the build-up to Euro 2016.

 

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Garcia: Strootman & Castan like new signings for Roma

Rudi Garcia has played down the lack of transfer activity at Roma, arguing that Kevin Strootman and Leandro Castan are like new signings for the capital club.

The Giallorossi have extended Victor Ibarbo's loan stay at the Stadio Olimpico until 2016 but they have only brought in one fresh face, Iago Falque, who has arrived from Genoa.

However, Garcia insists he is not perturbed by Roma's low-key market activity, highlighting the returns of fit-again duo Strootman and Castan for Monday's pre-season training camp at Pinzolo."They are like new signings for us in this transfer window because we missed them a lot last year," the Frenchman told his club's TV channel.

"But all of the squad are in good form; there's loads of enthusiasm. I wanted a lot of youth with us because - aside from Iago Falque - we haven't had any new additions yet."But I'm happy and full of enthusiasm. I can't wait to start."

Netherlands midfielder Strootman has been sidelined since January with a knee problem, while Brazilian centre-half Castan missed nearly all of last season after being forced to undergo brain surgery in December.

 

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Manchester United outcast Nani arrives to finalise Fenerbahce move

Manchester United winger Nani has arrived in Istanbul to finalise a transfer to Fenerbahce.

As was announced by the Turkish club on Thursday, the Portugal international is set to undergo a medical as negotiations between the two teams over a transfer fee continue.

Nani touched down in a private jet on Sunday evening, with tests expected to begin on Monday morning.

"I'm very happy for being here," the attacker told Fenerbahce TV. "I think that there is a big chance for proving myself again.

"I'll try to do my best for make Fenerbahce fans happy. I hope everything goes well.

"I know Fenerbahce very well. The club's aims always been high.

"Also, playing with [compatriots] Raul Meireles and Bruno Alves will be exciting. With their help, I'll feel like I'm with my family. I want to be successful with my new team-mates."

The 28-year-old had a solid season on loan with his old club, Sporting, last year, scoring 12 goals in 35 appearances, but failed to convince Louis van Gaal to keep him on at Old Trafford.

Nani initially joined United in 2007 and made over 200 appearances for the Premier League giants.

Team-mate Robin van Persie has also been linked with an imminent move to Fenerbahce but his agent, Kees Vos, denied on Sunday that a deal had been agreed.

 

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Mascherano: No brawl with Banega after Copa America loss

Javier Mascherano has dismissed claims he brawled with Ever Banega after Argentina's Copa America final loss to Chile.

The Albiceleste were defeated 4-1 on penalties after Saturday's scoreless draw with the tournament hosts in Santiago, with Banega missing one of the spot-kicks.

Rumours surfaced that Mascherano verbally attacked the Sevilla midfielder in the dressing room after the game, with the pair eventually coming to blows.

However, the versatile Barcelona midfielder says that there is absolutely no truth in the story."I heard that I grabbed Ever but I'm not like that," Mascherano is quoted as saying by Ole. "It's ridiculous.

"I would never point my finger at someone who had the balls to take a penalty in a final before 70,000 people."The Copa America loss represented Argentina's second major disappointment in a year, with the Albiceleste having been beaten by Germany in the final of World Cup 2014.

 

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Ronaldo: People told me I was too skinny to make it

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed being told he was "too skinny" as a youngster drove him to become the player that he is today.

The Portugal international first came to prominence as a slender, teenage winger at Manchester United but he began putting on more and more muscle before departing for Real Madrid in 2009.

Nowadays, Ronaldo is renowned for his sculptured physique and the 30-year-old explained his success is all down to the extra hours that he puts in at the gym.

"You have to work so hard," the forward stated in a promotional video. "I do this every day. This is why I have been at the top level for many, many years.
"It's not a coincidence. I do so much extra work outside of the pitch.

"When I was younger most people told me: 'Cristiano, you are a very talented player but you are too skinny.'"So I put it in my mind that my body can improve. With dedication and hard work in the gym I improved a lot on that - at the end of the day it's down to the person's mindset.

"Athleticism also means a huge amount - these small details make a huge difference. So it's very important to do this work and it's going really well for me.
"That's why I'm always in good shape all year round. I do that kind of work because I have to, it's part of me."

Ronaldo scored a personal-best 61 goals in just 54 appearances in all competitions for Madrid last season.

 

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Wolfsburg: No Manchester City bid for De Bruyne

Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs has refuted claims that Manchester City have bid for star player Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne still has four years to run on his current contract with the Bundesliga outfit but is seeking a new, improved deal in order to remain at the Volkswagen Arena.City are believed to be monitoring the Belgian's situation closely, with the Premier League side willing to pay up to €49 milliion for the 24-year-old attacker.

However, Allofs insists Wolfsburg have yet to receive any formal approach from City - or any other club - in relation to their most prized possession."I'm not worried," he told Kicker. "I don't know anything about these possible offers. So, there's nothing to talk about."

De Bruyne joined Wolfsburg from Chelsea in 2014 and played a key role in last season's runners-up finish in the Bundesliga, with the Belgium international racking up a record-equalling 20 assists.

 

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De Bruyne kohomath CITY join wei neh.Mourinho karapu lokuma mistake 1kak thamai De Bruyne ta yanna dunnu 1ka​

 

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Schneiderlin must move to Manchester United for the good of his career - Domenech

Former France coach Raymond Domenech believes that Morgan Schneiderlin must join Manchester United for the sake of his career.

The Southampton midfielder has starred over the last two seasons, attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, United and Tottenham, and is valued at £25 million (€35m).

Goal understands that the Red Devils are closing in on a deal for Schneiderlin and Domenech says that it would be in his best interests to move, especially if he has designs on making France's Euro 2016 squad.

"For him, [United] is a good move," Domenech told reporters.

"If he wants to be with the French national team, then he has to be in this Champions League - but if he stays at Southampton, no luck."

United are the front-runners for the 25-year-old, who has repeatedly flirted with the idea of leaving Southampton, and although Domenech agrees with his potential move to Old Trafford, he feels that there are still better options available.

"Manchester United is a good move for him," the ex-France boss continued. "United are better than Southampton, sure, but it's not [Manchester] City, it's not Chelsea. For him, the first thing is to leave Southampton.

"After, if he gets a team just behind the three big teams, it's good. Maybe after, he'll come through. He is good enough for the Champions League."

 

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United States 5-2 Japan: Lloyd stars with hat-trick in World Cup final

A hat-trick from Carli Lloyd helped the United States on its way to a first Women's World Cup title in 16 years, as they beat Japan 5-2 in the final on Sunday.

Lloyd netted a first-half hat trick at BC Place in Vancouver, with one remarkable goal from the halfway line as Jill Ellis' team dominated the game.Lauren Holiday also found the net early on as they went 4-0 up inside 16 minutes.Lloyd joined England hero Geoff Hurst (1966) as the only players to net trebles in World Cup finals as USA won a third crown.

A Yuki Ogimi strike and Julie Johnston own goal gave Japan hope, but Tobin Heath netted to seal the USA's win.Reigning world champions Japan were left to rue their defending from set-pieces, and their opponents made them pay early on.

Lloyd led the way and her team were irresistible in the opening stages in Vancouver.She struck in the third minute, meeting a Megan Rapinoe corner with a powerful side-footed effort.

It was 2-0 moments later and again from a set-piece, this time Lloyd scrambling in from close range. The Americans' impeccable start continued when Holiday volleyed in expertly after a poor clearance in the 14th minute.

Lloyd provided the highlight to complete her hat trick two minutes later. Preparing to launch a counter-attack, the midfielder instead opted to shoot from halfway after spotting Ayumi Kaihori off her line. The goalkeeper scrambled desperately but, as she fell, Kaihori could only get a hand on the shot and see it go in off the post.If Japan had any hopes of a comeback, they needed to strike at least once before half-time. The Asian side pulled a goal back in the 27th minute through Ogimi, who took a pass from Nahomi Kawasumi before curling a fine effort past Hope Solo.

The comeback continued with Japan's second goal seven minutes into the second half, as Johnston headed past her own keeper to make it 4-2.But a set piece would prove to be Japan's undoing once more sooafter. Kaihori could only punch a corner to the back post and Morgan Brian cutback for Heath to strike and seal the win and the title.

 

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Congratulations WUSA!
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Nani completes €6m move to Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce have announced the signing of Nani from Manchester United for €6 million.

The Portugal international arrived in Turkey to undergo a medical on Sunday with a view to finalising a deal after the Super Lig side had agreed a fee with the Red Devils.

And the club have now confirmed that they will unveil the 28-year-old winger as an official Fener player on Monday at 17.00 CET at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, inviting fans and press to attend the ceremony.

Nani, who signs a three-year deal at the club, spoke of his joy at the prospect of playing in Istanbul after he was met at the airport by a large group of fans."I really am very happy to be here now," he said.

"I see this as a new opportunity in my career. This is an opportunity for me to show myself. I want to be successful."I've seen all these fans coming out for me and I was really happy. I want to show them my best football. I always do the best that I can.

"Fenerbahce are a club I have always known. Fener is a club that aims high."
Nani, who spent eight years at Old Trafford, was on loan at Sporting Lisbon during the 2014-15 season, making 27 Primeira Liga appearances.

 

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Good luck Nani!​

 

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Gundogan: I snubbed offers to stay at Dortmund

Ilkay Gundogan says he turned down several offers to stay at Borussia Dortmund and urged supporters not to believe the rumours that circulated around his future.

Despite initially announcing he would not sign a new deal with the club and looking set to move on from Dortmund, the 24-year-old signed a one-year extension last Wednesday.

And Gundogan, who was jeered by fans during the 17-0 win in Saturday's charity match, insisted that he is happy to remain at the club and is confident he can win back the love of the fans.

"I believe that if I perform well and become a better player I can convince a lot of people," the Germany international told Bild . "Hopefully I can also convince the ones that are upset now.

"They are upset because they believed what was said in the newspapers. I would have believed that as well if I was an outsider. I can even understand why fans are whistling me now. The situation was painted wrongly to the public."But the club and myself know the truth. Both sides always confirmed that we treated each other honestly and fairly. I had lucrative offers that BVB knew of and I deliberately turned them down to stay."

Gundogan was ruled out of all of the 2013-14 season, having picked up an injury in his side's first league game of that campaign, and was unable to help Dortmund achieve higher than their seventh-place Bundesliga finish last term in Jurgen Klopp's final year in charge.

 

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Luis Enrique deserves Arda Turan, says Bartomeu

Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu thinks the signing of Atletico Madrid playmaker Arda Turan would be just reward for coach Luis Enrique .

Barca's interim management committee, formed following the resignation of Bartomeu ahead of the election on July 18, meet later on Monday to decide whether to proceed with a deal for the Turkey international.

And Bartomeu, who will stand in the election alongside Joan Laporta, Toni Freixa, Agusti Benedito and Joan Batiste, hopes Luis Enrique is given the green light to strengthen a squad which claimed a domestic and continental treble last season.

"Luis Enrique has earned the faith of everyone at the club and deserves the signing of Arda," he told reporters. "I don’t have a problem with the interim board signing Arda. He’s a request of the coach."

Bartomeu has done a fine job in steadying the ship at Camp Nou after being installed as president in January 2014 following the resignation of Sandro Rosell although success on the pitch has at times been overshadowed by controversy off it, with the signing of Neymar from Santos still being dragged through the Spanish legal system.

And he remains confident of reclaiming the role of president later this month.
He added: “I’m happy with the signatures that I’ve received. We have more than others so it shows that we’ve done well.”