..::Football III::..

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Fenerbahce make Arda Turan loan offer

Fenerbahce board member Ilhan Eksiglu has made a cheeky offer to Barcelona to take Arda Turan on loan for six months.

Arda's €41 million move from Atletico Madrid to the Blaugrana was confirmed on Monday but the Turkey international isn't eligible to play until January because of the club's transfer ban.As a result, Ilhan has offered Arda the opportunity to ply his trade at Fener until the end of the year.

"Arda will not play in Barcelona until January," he wrote on Twitter. "As our president [Aziz Yildirim] said before, he can play for Fenerbahce for six months."
Aziz previously tried to sign Arda four years ago but the former Galatasaray man rejected the offer.

While the 28-year-old has signed for Barca, he could yet be sent back to Atletico as the Blaugrana insisted on an option to veto the transfer - at a cost of €4.1 million - in the event that Josep Maria Bartomeu is deposed in this month's presidential elections and his successor does not want him.

Agusti Benedito has already confirmed that he would return the attacker to the Vicente Calderon, while fellow candidate Joan Laporta remains undecided on the issue.

 

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Official: Tottenham sign Alderweireld

Tottenham have confirmed they have completed the signing of defender Toby Alderweireld from Atletico Madrid.

The Belgium international, 26, has signed a five-year contract at White Hart Lane, becoming Spurs' third senior arrival of the summer after fellow defenders Kevin Wimmer and Kieran Trippier.

"I’m very proud to be a Tottenham player," he told the club's official website. "I’m happy to be here and hope to have a wonderful time with this team.

"From the beginning I knew a lot about the club from Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele and Nacer Chadli.

"It’s nice when you join and know a couple of players. I hope to get to know them a little better now!"

Alderweireld's move to Tottenham has been the subject of significant controversy, with Southampton threatening legal action over being denied the use of an option that allowed them to sign the Belgian permanently from Atletico this summer after a successful loan spell at St Mary's last season.

 

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Nani pays tribute to Ferguson in farewell message

Nani has said goodbye to Manchester United and thanked Sir Alex Ferguson as he begins the next chapter of his career with Fenerbahce.

The 28-year-old joined United in a €24.4 million deal in the summer of 2007 but despite winning four Premier League titles, a Champions League and a League Cup during an eight-year spell at Old Trafford, he was rarely a key figure.

Having struggled to break into the first team during David Moyes' ill-fated reign, Nani spent last season on loan back at former club Sporting, notching 11 goals and two assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.

But as he prepares to try and revive his career in Turkey, Nani was keen to show his gratitude to all those who helped him enjoy success at United - not least Ferguson.

"I leave Manchester with many titles and many memories, I want to thank all the people who helped me on this journey and wish you all the luck and success!" he posted on Instagram. "Thanks to all my colleagues, to all staff and management structure, thank you Sir Alex Ferguson!"

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Good bye & Good luck Nani!

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Carragher on Sterling: He's getting a bad reputation

Jamie Carragher has warned Raheem Sterling he risks gaining a reputation he will be unable to shake off in his public dispute with Liverpool.

Goal understands Sterling has informed Brendan Rodgers that he does not want to join the rest of the Reds squad on their pre-season tour of Australia and south east Asia as he attempts to force through a summer move to Manchester City.

City are yet to bid for the 20-year-old since seeing a take-it-or-leave-it £45 million offer rejected last month, but remain the front-runners to sign him.

Carragher believes that Sterling's actions will only make Liverpool more determined not to cave into his demands and thinks the controversial youngster is doing long-term damage to his public image.

"Reports today suggest Raheem Sterling has told Brendan Rodgers he doesn't want to go away on the pre-season tour," Carragher wrote.

"This at times comes from the club who are chasing the player, in this case Man City, who ask a player to try and force the move after having two bids that were unsuccessful. All clubs at times have asked a player to push a move through but even so it's still a story that doesn't reflect well on Raheem.

"He's starting to get a reputation that could be hard to rid himself of in the future, are Man City fans looking at the situation and thinking this could be us in a few years?

"I think this situation will only make Liverpool more determined to get the fee they feel Raheem is worth rather than caving in to Raheem's & Man City's wishes."

 

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Neymar responds to 'drunk' video: I can't be at ease in Brazil

Barcelona ace Neymar says a video that appears to show him intoxicated at a house party simply underlines that fact he can never relax in his native Brazil.

Footage has appeared online of the Selecao captain looking worse for wear at the end of a night spent with friends, including former Santos team-mate Ganso.

Neymar is captured looking unsteady on his feet, playing with his tie and singing as he bids farewell to other guests.

The 23-year-old has been criticised for his behaviour by some pundits still upset by the fact that the forward picked up a four-game ban for getting himself sent off at the end of his country's Copa America clash with Colombia last month.

However, Neymar has simply lamented the fact that he is never afforded any privacy when he returns to Brazil."It was bad luck to have invited a person who has nothing to do [with me]," he told reporters in his homeland on Tuesday.

"I was on holiday with my friends and that ended up happening."I cannot be at ease at home. Every day is worse."

Neymar saw red after the full-time whistle in Brazil's group-stage loss to Colombia after sparking a mass brawl by firing the ball at Juan Zuniga before then attempting to headbutt Jeison Murillo.

The striker then lashed out at referee Enrique Osses in the tunnel, resulting in a suspension that ended his participation in the Copa America and ruling him out of his nation's first two World Cup 2018 qualifiers.

 

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Dunga: Brazil scarred by World Cup

Dunga has admitted that Brazil's 7-1 defeat at the hands of Germany at last year's World Cup has left mental scars.

The quarter-final loss saw Dunga replace Luiz Felipe Scolari as coach and they have suffered more disappointment this summer after exiting the Copa America at the same stage.Brazil were beaten on penalties by Paraguay at the same stage and their coach says they must move erase the mental scars from the World Cup.

"[July 8] is a date that will leave a mark, just like 1950, but also just like the five times that Brazil was world champion," he told Globo Esporte.

"We all have to improve. We need the humility to know that we have to work to recover that dominance of world football, but we also have to admit that it's not that easy.

"We have to see the positive side, though. We can't always win. We have to try to go forward in every way we can."

 

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Dani Carvajal signs Real Madrid renewal

Real Madrid have announced that Dani Carvajal has signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until June 2020.

The Spain international still had four years to run on his previous deal, though some doubt had been cast over his future following the €31.5 million signing of Brazil right-back Danilo from Porto.

However, Carvajal has now decided to commit himself to Madrid for an additional 12 months.The 23-year-old came through the youth team ranks at the Bernabeu and starred for the club's B team before moving to Bayer Leverkusen in 2012.

Madrid put a buy-back clause in Carvajal's contract with the Bundesliga side and enforced their right to re-sign him the following summer for an estimated €6.5 million.

He has since become a regular in the Madrid starting line-up and was a part of the team that won both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League in 2014.

 

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Sterling fails to report for Liverpool training after 'calling in sick'

Raheem Sterling was absent from Liverpool's training session on Wednesday after calling in sick, Goal understands.

The winger earlier informed the club that he does not want to join them on their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia amid interest from Manchester City, and it has now come to light that Sterling has failed to join up with the squad for their midweek session.

City are the clear frontrunners to sign Sterling should he force a move away from Anfield, with the club prepared to make a third bid for the England international, worth £45 million plus add-ons, after their two initial approaches were rejected.

Sterling met with manager Brendan Rodgers at Melwood and reaffirmed his desire to leave, while he also insisted that he is not prepared to join his team-mates in their overseas pre-season preparations.

Liverpool are set to fly out for their tour on Sunday, ahead of a game against the Thai All-Stars in Bangkok next Tuesday.

Sterling has already turned down an improved contract offer, with wages of £100,000-a-week, at Anfield and appears determined to leave Liverpool following a long-running saga.

Aidy Ward, the player's agent, confirmed in May that his client would not be signing a new contract, instead insisting that "every Premier League club will make a bid for him".

Liverpool declined to comment.

 

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Mexes signs new AC Milan deal

AC Milan have announced that Philippe Mexes has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the club until 2016.

The French defender has been at San Siro for four years after a lengthy spell at Roma, but his previous deal expired at the end of June.

However, the Rossoneri have moved to keep the former Auxerre man at the club, handing him a one-year extension.

Mexes, who has won 29 caps for his country, began his career at Auxerre, before moving to Italy in 2004, winning two Coppa Italia titles with Roma and one Supercoppa Italiana with Milan.

 

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Montoya happy at Inter: Barcelona didn't force me out

Martin Montoya has admitted that while he found it difficult to leave Barcelona, he was not sent to Inter against his will.The Blaugrana youth academy product has arrived at San Siro on a two-year loan deal but the Nerazzurri retain the right to make the transfer permanent in 2017.

There have been reports that Montoya was happy in Catalunya and did not want to move to Milan but the right-back has dismissed the suggestion that he was forced out of the door at Camp Nou.

"The rumours that came out were untrue," the Spaniard told reporters at his official unveiling as an Inter player on Wednesday.

"It was a little difficult to leave Barcelona, which has been my home for 15 years.
"But I'm here, fully convinced and happy. I want to play a lot and in the Inter jersey."I didn't play so much last season at Barca and this didn't please me."

Montoya is confident that he can quickly nail down a regular berth in Roberto Mancini's starting line-up, arguing that he will not need too much time to adapt to Serie A.

"Being in Milan and Italy, I don't believe that it will be that different to La Liga," he added."In Italy, there's more attention to tactics but I believe that we will play the kind of offensive football we play in Spain.

"I'm inspired by fast and powerful players like Maicon and Dani Alves. I'm very offensive and I enjoy this kind of football."The competition for places will not be a problem for me. There were a lot of full-backs at Barca, too.

"The coach will watch training and the games, and then make the best choice for Inter."

 

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Vidal given two-year driving ban

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has been given a two-year driving ban after being caught drink-driving during Chile's victorious Copa America campaign.The 28-year-old crashed his Ferrari on June 17, and though he escaped unhurt, his wife sustained a minor elbow injury.

Though he was subsequently charged formally with driving under the influence of alcohol, he was able to play a full role in the rest of the tournament but his punishments have now been confirmed.His licence has been suspended for two years, while he will have to donate a variety of memorabilia to the local services affected by the incident.

Vidal also insulted the two police officers who attended the scene of the incident but will now issue a public apology for his actions.

 

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Casillas wants quick resolution to Porto transfer

Iker Casillas is keen for a quick resolution to his transfer from Real Madrid to Porto, with the Spanish club's imminent trip to Australia on the horizon.

The 34-year-old has been offered a €2.5 million (£1.8m) annual salary by the Portuguese outfit, with an initial two-year deal set to include an option for a third season.

But Casillas is eager for some closure in the transfer saga in light of Madrid's pre-season plans.

The Blancos head Down Under on Sunday ahead of their two-match International Champions Cup campaign, leaving the Spaniard facing a potential 13,000-kilometre journey to represent a side he is planning to leave behind.

Madrid have already agreed to smooth Casillas's exit path with financial compensation to help cushion the blow of a €10m (£7.2m) cut in wages over the next two years upon swapping his €7.5m-a-year (£5.4m-a-year) deal in Spain for Porto's less generous package.

And now they could look to help the goalkeeper wrap up a swift transfer in order to give him a fitting departure from the Spanish capital before they head to Australia.

A quick exit for Casillas would also allow club officials to turn their attentions to the attempted signing of Manchester United's David De Gea.

Goal reported on July 1 that United had given up on attempts to convince De Gea to stay at Old Trafford as a switch to Madrid moves ever-closer to being formalised.

 

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Hummels: I've decided to stay at Dortmund

Mats Hummels says he is “honoured” by Manchester United’s interest but has confirmed that he has decided to stay at Borussia Dortmund.

The 26-year-old has been a long-term target for United and has previously revealed that he would be keen to eventually join a club outside of the Bundesliga.

But following the arrival of Thomas Tuchel as Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Dortmund, Hummels has opted to stay in Germany for another campaign.

“There have always been rumours about almost every one of our players, but I decided not to make the move this year,” Hummels told reporters in Singapore.

“Of course when the big clubs are interested, and Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, it’s an honour.

“But I decided I wanted to stay here.

"I've been at Dortmund for a very long time, I haven't set a limit. It’s hard to say what future brings, but I'm still here after seven years."

 

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Pedro: I'm in a tricky situation

Barcelona winger Pedro has admitted that his career is at a crossroads this summer.

The Spain international has fallen down the pecking order at Camp Nou and the acquisition of Atletico Madrid star Arda Turan brings competition that is expected to further limit his playing time.Pedro is currently on holiday but will make a decision on his future in the coming days.

"I'm in a tricky position," he is quoted as saying by Marca."We'll see what's best for everyone. I'm only thinking about relaxing and spending the next few days on holiday."

However, the 27-year-old is looking forward to seeing what impact Arda has when he arrives at Camp Nou."He has a lot of quality. He'll bring a lot to the team."

 

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Cillessen: I've not heard from Manchester United

Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen admits he is aware of Manchester United’s reported interest but insists his agent has not been in contact about a potential move to Old Trafford.

Goal understands that United have accepted David de Gea’s desire to join Real Madrid this summer and are now working on a deal with the Spanish club.

Cillessen is among those who have been linked to replace the Spaniard at United but the 26-year-old, who worked with Louis van Gaal in the Netherlands national side, claims he would be happy to remain at Ajax.

"Of course, you hear some things about it through the media,” said Cillessen.

"But I keep myself away from it and I have not heard from my agents. I have it really good with Ajax.

"I am enjoying myself and I started training again with great pleasure.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cillessen: I've not heard from Manchester United

Apo........Cillessen nam oneth naha​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger persuaded me to leave Arsenal, says Podolski

Lukas Podolski has revealed that talks with Arsene Wenger persuaded him to leave Arsenal for Galatasaray this summer.The Germany international spend the second half of last season on loan at Inter but left the Emirates Stadium for Istanbul on a permanent basis on Saturday.

Podolski is excited about his future in Istanbul and says he is delighted to have joined a club of the Turkish champions' reputation."After good and open talks with Arsene Wenger I came to the conclusion that a change was the right decision," he told Sport Bild.

"Galatasaray have tried very hard to get me for five years and in the end, the whole package fitted.

"The league is not at the level of the Premier League or the Bundesliga. But Galatasaray are a permanent feature in the Champions League and have stars such as Wesley Sneijder, who are world-renowned."Istanbul is a world metropolis and Galatasaray have a very good name in world football."

Podolski also revealed that he plans to have a third and final stint at hometown club Koln before he hangs up his boots."When I have fulfilled my contract with Galatasaray completely, I'll be 34 years old," he added.

"Every career will eventually come to an end, even mine. Still, I can well imagine that I will go on to Koln."

 

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Manchester United close in on Darmian; Otamendi & Ramos talks continue

Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Torino right-back Matteo Darmian and are still in talks to sign Nicolas Otamendi, Goal understands.

United are believed to have agreed a deal worth €18 million (£12.9m) plus €2m (£1.4m) in add-ons with the Turin club for Italy international Darmian, and an announcement is expected in the coming days.

Negotiations for a top-level centre-back have proven more troublesome, however. Despite a very real intent to sign Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid, the club are reluctant pay more than £35m and have also been thwarted in their attempts to include him in any deal that would take David De Gea to the Santiago Bernabeu.

United and Madrid cannot agree on the valuation of the Spain international, with the English side said to be holding out for a world-record fee for the goalkeeper despite his contract expiring at the end of next season.

Interest in Ramos, which emerged in the middle of June, appeared to put the breaks on what had seemed an imminent move for Otamendi.

But Goal understands the club remain interested in the Argentina centre-back, who shone for his country at the Copa America despite finishing on the losing side in Saturday's final, and they are hoping to negotiate a deal via influential agent Jorge Mendes.

The main stumbling block to date had been Valencia's insistence on receiving €50m (£35m) for Otamendi's services.

That stance, however, was most aggressively taken by executive president Amadeo Salvo, who refused to consider anything less than the club's stated asking price in public and in private.

But Salvo left the club at the end of June as Valencia president Peter Lim continues his overhaul at Mestalla, and there is now hope at Old Trafford that they can sign Otamendi for a reduced fee.

Mendes maintains a strong relationship with all parties involved in the deal and it is hoped he can smooth over negotiations.

The Portuguese super-agent, alongside Eugenio Lopez, looks after Otamendi's interests and helped broker his controversial move from Porto to Valencia, via a six-month loan spell at Atletico Mineiro, in 2014.

He has also brought several players, including De Gea, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Radamel Falcao, to Old Trafford in recent years and has a good relationship with United CEO and transfer chief Ed Woodward, who replaced David Gill in 2013.

Likewise, Mendes is close to Valencia owner Lim and as recently as January oversaw a €25m (£17.9m) move for Enzo Perez from Benfica.

Otamendi's representative Lopez made it known in the middle of June that he would negotiate his client's exit from Mestalla with Mendes, not Salvo, as his frustrations bubbled over.

With United wary of being used to help secure a new contract for Ramos at Madrid, they have continued talks for Otamendi as they forge ahead with their recruitment drive ahead of the new season.

Valencia, too, are on the look-out for a new centre-back and Otamendi's Argentina colleague Ezequiel Garay, another Mendes client, has been linked with a move from Zenit St Petersburg.

Garay was Otamendi's partner at the Copa America until picking up an injury ahead of the 6-1 semi-final victory over Paraguay, and he has also been linked with a move to Madrid should Ramos depart this summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Darmian gana nam wadiya ahalath nahaanyway hoda sign 1kak wei kiyala hithanawa​