..::Football III::..

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Neymar: The treble is nice, the sextuple is better

Barcelona star Neymar says his next target is to win the "sextuple" after the club's treble success last season.

The Catalans won La Liga, the Champions League and Copa del Rey as Neymar ended the campaign with 39 goals in all competitions.

However, the Brazil captain is refusing to rest on his laurels and is keen to add to his medal haul, starting with the European Super Cup, Spanish Supercup and Club World Cup."I never lose the hunger," he told Sport.

"Last season was wonderful, incredible, but I always want more. I am never satisfied. I have the same hunger to keep winning more Ligas, more Champions Leagues and more Copas del Rey."The treble is a nice word, but I've learned another word I like: sextuple. And this has to be our goal, we must prepare to conquer it immediately.

"If you win the treble it's because we work hard and train well. Results do not come by chance or luck, you have to train very hard."Despite his best-ever goal haul last year, the 23-year-old is under no illusions as to who is the best player at the club, though, adding: "Everyone who's with him throughout the year knows that Lionel Messi is the best, the No.1."

Neymar, who received a four-game ban while representing Brazil in the Copa America for his angry outburst against Colombia, is also keen to take the positives from another failed international campaign."Whenever I take responsibility, I never hide. But in football you cannot always win. But I think that we formed a good basis for the World Cup qualifying in the Copa America."

 

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Benitez can win Madrid La Liga, says Emery

Real Madrid can win La Liga under Rafa Benitez, according to Sevilla boss Unai Emery.

The capital club were second best in the Primera Division last term and also fell short in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, costing Carlo Ancelotti his job.

The former Napoli and Liverpool boss was soon appointed his successor and Emery, who rejected the chance to move to Serie A this summer, feels he can take his new side right to the top.

"I believe that Benitez's arrival at Madrid is the rightful recognition of his good work down the years," he told Corriere dello Sport.

"They're candidates to win La Liga because Benitez is coach of Madrid. If they don't succeed it's because Barcelona win but when Madrid go several years without winning La Liga, you know something's not right.

"Barca and Madrid are the best in world. When you add technical success to this, it's a winning formula."

Emery went on to discuss his decision to turn down approaches from Napoli and AC Milan this summer, saying he is eager to see out what he has started at Sevilla.

"I'll admit I had the chance to go to coach other teams but Sevilla can grow as well," he explained.

"Napoli? Aurelio De Laurentiis is a president who showed a lot of interest in me and my work. I was pleased to meet him and I thank him, we had a good talk.

"Napoli offer the coach a lot in terms of development. He's brought Napoli back to the top and they're only missing a little bit to be part of the elite.

"Who knows? Maybe in the future we'll have an adventure at Napoli but now isn't the time to leave Sevilla, my priority is the Champions League and Napoli couldn't offer that.

"Milan have been after me for two seasons. Naturally I thank them and I'm always willing to listen."

Carlos Bacca left Sevilla for Milan this summer and Emery believes the Colombia striker is looking forward to the task of bringing the Rossoneri back to the top.

"At Milan he can't have what we would have given him at Sevilla. He has the chance to wear the shirt of a sleeping giant and he wants to wake up Milan and be part of their rebirth."

 

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Alderweireld: I've thanked Koeman for Southampton spell

Toby Alderweireld says he understands the frustratons of Ronald Koeman and Southampton fans after he completed a permanent move to Tottenham.

The defender spent a highly successful loan spell at St Mary's last season, with the club holding the right to sign the player for £6.9 million unless parent club Atletico Madrid paid £1.5m to cancel the clause.

However, Tottenham stole a march on Southampton and confirmed Alderweireld as their third summer signing on a five-year deal on Wednesday amid threats of legal action towards Atletico from Koeman.

"I understand that there is some disappointment," he is quoted as saying by De Telegraaf.

"I have sent a text message to Ronald and thanked him for a great year. He gave me a lot of confidence and made me a better footballer.

"I gave 100 per cent for Southampton and wish everyone luck for next season."

 

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Schweinsteiger flattered by Premier League interest - Rummenigge

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admits Bastian Schweinsteiger is “flattered” by interest from the Premier League, amid links with Manchester United.

The Bavarian giants’ sporting director, Matthias Sammer, admitted last week that Schweinsteiger could leave the club this summer, while manager Pep Guardiola insists only the midfielder can decide his future.

United are believed to have identified the Germany international as a potential acquisition as they embark on a major squad overhaul this summer, with the club having missed out on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

Rummenigge says Schweinsteiger is aware of interest from England and claims that he will meet the World Cup winner to discuss his future later this summer.

"I make no secret about it that, in our conversations, it sounds like he is flattered from the interest in England,” he told reporters.

"I talked to him during his vacation. We will meet each other, when he is back.

"Our plans are not finished yet. The window is open until August 31.”

Schweinsteiger made 28 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring five goals.

 

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Sterling misses Liverpool training after calling in sick again

Raheem Sterling was absent from Liverpool training for a second day after calling in sick again, Goal understands.

The winger, who does not want to take part in the pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, is a target for Manchester City after informing Brendan Rodgers of his desire to leave Anfield this summer.

With the Liverpool squad due back for preparations ahead of the new campaign on Wednesday, Sterling informed the club he was unable to attend due to illness and repeated that claim on Thursday morning.

Sterling has already turned down a new £100,000-a-week contract, with the 20-year-old agent, Aidy Ward, claiming all trust between his client and Rodgers has evaporated over the long-running transfer saga.

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

 

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Laporta: I would love Pogba at Barca

Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta has reiterated his deside to bring Paul Pogba to Camp Nou from Juventus this summer.

The Catalans have already had an €80 million bid rejected for the midfielder rejected, much to the annoyance of the Catalan politician, who claimed it had made the club look "ridiculous".

However, Laporta, who was president between 2003 and 2010, is hoping that his good relationship with Pogba's agent Mino Raiola could rescue the situation.
"I would love to sign Pogba," he is quoted as saying by AS."I have a great relationship with Raiola. If Arda [Turan] is signed, they would be perfectly compatible.

"I want a Barcelona that belongs to everyone, I am prepared and confident. The decision on Arda will be made by [potential sporting director] Eric Abidal and Luis Enrique."Laporta also distanced himself from claims that Barcelona could launch a controversial move for Real Madrid vice captain Sergio Ramos.

"He's one of the best in the world but I have Gerard Pique. I wouldn't sign him for what he represents with Real Madrid. The links with Barcelona are to improve his contract."Laporta also slammed the treatment Madrid skipper Iker Casillas has received from the Santiago Bernabeu fans.

"Casillas is a great player and a great guy. It began to fall away for him with Jose Mourinho and he's gone into a drifting period where it's best for him to go to another club."Booing Casillas is like booing Carles Puyol at Camp Nou."

 

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Juventus stars must ask to leave - Marotta

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta says that his club will only sell their best players if they demand to leave.

Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo have already left Turin this summer, while midfield pair Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba have both been strongly linked with moves to other clubs.Marotta is not keen to see Juve's best assets depart but says it is ultimately the player's choice if they wish to depart.

"We will not sell our best players, our top assets unless the players themselves ask us to leave," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport."In addition, we don't need cash so we're not prepared to accept any discount offers on the price of our players."

Recent reports have suggested that Juve have told Pogba and Vidal that they have until the end of July to ask to leave.

 

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Danilo completes 'dream' move to Madrid - but then endures epic fail

New Real Madrid signing Danilo was unveiled to the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday, but remarkably failed to complete a basic kick-up on the pitch.

The Brazil international's move to the club was revealed halfway through last season, after three impressive years at Porto, and was paraded in front of his new supporters following confirmation of his transfer.

The full-back was subsequently given a ball and told to show off his skills, only to roundly fail to prove why Real identified him as a key acquisition.

After his embarrassing moment, Danilo then gave a press conference, completely without irony.

"I would like to thank God for making me good at football," Danilo said.

On a more serious note, the 23-year-old expressed his pride at moving to the club.

"Thanks to everyone who did everything to make this day happen," he added. "Thanks to the fans for their messages and their love.

"This is a childhood dream. It's certainly one of the best days of my life.

"I'm going to leave everything on the pitch because I only play to win. Thank you, everyone!"

Madrid paid €31.5 million for Danilo, who has penned a six-year contract with the Liga side.

 

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Van Basten confirmed as new Netherlands assistant coach

Netherlands legend Marco van Basten has returned to the national team as assistant coach to new boss Danny Blind.

Blind had previously been serving as Guus Hiddink's right-hand man but moved into the hot seat on July 1 following the latter's decision to stand down last month.

The former defender thus decided to turn to Van Basten, whom he served under at Ajax, to fill the void.AC Milan great Van Basten had been working alongside John van den Brom at AZ but has now formally accepted the chance to return to the international arena.

"I'm really looking forward to this interesting job and also look forward to the renewed collaboration with Danny Blind," the iconic striker said."I had to make a difficult choice, because the role at AZ was to my liking. Blind convinced me of the challenge of the national team."

As a player, Van Basten inspired Netherlands to glory at Euro 88, while the 50-year-old also coached his country between 2004 and 2008.

 

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Espanyol: Reported Real Madrid deal for Casilla is 'insulting'

Espanyol president Joan Collet has rubbished speculation that goalkeeper Kiko Casilla is to join Real Madrid, describing the rumoured fee of €5 million as "insulting".

It has been claimed in the Spanish press that the Blancos youth academy product is set to return to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, with Los Blancos set to sell club captain Iker Casillas to Porto.However, Collet has reacted angrily to reports that Casilla's switch to the Spanish capital is effectively a done deal.

"Everything is a lie, there's nothing," he told AS. "I'm not sure if I should say I'm gobsmacked but I am surprised.

"I have spoken a lot in the last few days with [Real Madrid general director] Jose Angel Sanchez and yes, he asked a question [regarding Casilla] but we did not sit down no negotiate."I don't know what will happen tomorrow but right now, there is nothing and there will be nothing for those figures that are being reported.

"First we have to receive an offer, find out if the player wants to leave and finally we must speak to the coaching staff."But to speak of those figures for him is insulting, I don't know where they have come from."

Madrid are also pursuing Manchester United No.1 David De Gea and Collet is perturbed by the thought that the Blancos could be using Casilla in order to pressurise the Red Devils into lowering their asking price.

"I feel bad because, [if true], they are playing with a lot of feelings and with the player," the Espanyol supremo added. "It annoys me that they are using his name."
Casilla, who left Madrid for Espanyol in 2007, still has three years to run on his current contract with the Catalan side.

 

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Torino president: Darmian to Manchester United not done yet

Torino president Urbana Cairo has denied that Matteo Darmian's proposed move to Manchester United is a done deal.

The Italy international is expected to complete a €20 million transfer to Old Trafford later this week, with Granata boss Giampiero Ventura admitting on Wednesday that he is resigned to losing the right-back.

However, Cairo has dismissed reports that the two clubs have ironed out all of the details for Darmian's departure, suggesting that Torino intend to get the best possible deal for the 25-year-old before sanctioning the move."I'm very fond of Darmian," the Granata supremo told La7. "Matteo is a very important player for us. He's essential and well liked.

"Manchester United are a great club but there's still nothing done regarding his sale.
"Until there is something definite, I'd prefer not to speak about it officially."Goal understands that United have agreed to pay an initial €18 million for Darmian but that the fee could rise by a further €2m depending on add-ons.

The defender is a product of AC Milan's youth academy but was allowed to join Palermo in 2010 before moving to Torino the following year.

 

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Cech signing can lead to Arsenal title challenge - Debuchy

Mathieu Debuchy has hailed Arsenal's signing of Petr Cech from Chelsea, believing that the Gunners are now well-placed to mount a serious Premier League title challenge.

Cech completed his move to the Gunners, which is reported to be worth £10 million (€14m), on June 29 and will become the club's new No.1 for the 2015-16 season.

Debuchy believes that Cech's acquisition is a major step forward for the Gunners and has backed his side to build on last season's third-placed finish.

"Petr is a very good keeper with massive experience. He has a lot of quality and is a complete goalkeeper," he told Arsenal's official website.

"I think [Arsenal can challenge for the Premier League] and I hope so too. We have all the chance to win the Premier League."

Debuchy was limited to just 10 league appearances last season, with injuries seriously disrupting his campaign, while Cech made seven outings for Chelsea prior to his departure.

 

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Official: Fenerbahce open Van Persie transfer talks with Manchester United

Fenerbahce have opened talks with Manchester United over the transfer of Robin van Persie.

The Turkish club, who acquired Van Persie's former United team-mate Nani earlier this week, have confirmed that negotiations to secure the signing of the striker are underway and reports have suggested a deal could be completed by the end of the week.

A tweet from the club read: "Fenerbahce has begun transfer talks with Robin van Persie and his club Manchester United."

Goal understands that Van Persie and United are in talks over a settlement agreement which would see the striker leave Old Trafford, with the Netherlands international hoping to have the final year of his contract - worth around £12 million (€16.7m) - paid up before he departs.

Van Persie has struggled for regular first-team football under Louis van Gaal at United, and made 27 Premier League appearances in 2014-15, scoring 10 goals.

The 31-year-old has previously outlined his desire to play regular first-team football and it appears that a move to Turkey is edging closer.

Fenerbahce have also been linked with Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina as they continue their summer recruitment drive

 

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Official: Fenerbahce open Van Persie transfer talks with Manchester United

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Casillas 'happy' with Porto terms as Madrid exit imminent

Iker Casillas has reached a provisional agreement with Porto and is happy with the terms on offer, according to his agent.

The experienced Spain international has been tempted by the prospect of moving to Estadio do Dragao having accepted his time with Real Madrid is drawing to a close, with the pursuit of David de Gea and criticism of his own form hastening his departure.

The 34-year-old has been offered a deal understood to be worth €2.5 million a year, with an initial two-year deal set to include an option for a third season, and his representative says he is happy with the terms."There's an agreement between Porto and Casillas," Santos Marquez told La Sexta.

"He's happy with the agreement that's been reached."Casillas, Spain's most capped player, has been part of the Madrid set-up since joining the academy in 1990.

He has since made more than 700 appearances for the club and lifted 18 major titles, including winning the Champions League three times.

 

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Official: Konoplyanka joins Sevilla from Dnipro

Sevilla have confirmed they have completed the free transfer of Yevhen Konoplyanka from Dnipro, whom they defeated in May's Europa League final.

The 25-year-old passed a medical with the European victors last week but was forced to wait for the Ukraine club to ratify his transfer before sealing his move to Spain as his contract did not run out until the end of July.

Dnipro have now authorised Konplyanka's departure, allowing the winger to secure a four-year contract in Andalusia on Thursday which contains a buyout clause of €40 million.

Konoplyanka, who starred in Dnirpo's surprise Europa League run, was formely a target of Premier League giants Liverpool, but a move failed to materialise in January of last year.The Ukraine international is due to join his new team-mates for the beginning of their pre-season preparations in the coming days.

Konoplyanka joins Steven N'Zonzi in signing for Sevilla, with Unai Emery's side confirming the midfielder's arrival from Stoke City earlier on Thursday.

 

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Barcelona a huge step in my career - Arda

Arda Turan says signing for Barcelona is a huge step forward in his career as he prepares for his official unveiling on Friday.

The Catalans have agreed a deal with Atletico Madrid to take the attacking midfielder to Camp Nou for a fee which could rise to €41 million, although the next club president could potentially opt to veto the deal.

The 28-year-old has now arrived in Barcelona ahead of his contract signing at the club offices on Friday and he claims to be raring to go."It's very important for my career and for my country to sign for Barcelona," the Turkey international told the club's official TV channel.

"It's a great day. I'm very excited and I'm ready to get going."Under terms of Barca's transfer ban, Arda cannot make his official debut for the club until January 2016 at the earliest.

Fenerbahce have already confirmed they have made an offer to the Turkey international to play for the Super Lig giants on a loan deal until Barca's ban on fielding new players is lifted.

Arda is due to sign his contract with the European champions at 09:30CET before a press conference 30 minutes later.

 

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Dzeko has all the qualities for Serie A - Yanga-Mbiwa

Edin Dzeko has all the right qualities to succeed for Roma in Serie A, according to defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

The Giallorossi have confirmed the Bosnia-Herzegovina striker is a potential summer target as they look to bolster a forward line which struggled desperately for goals in the latter half of the 2014-15 campaign.Dzeko told Goal last month that he has no desire to force an exit from City, despite being unhappy with a lack of regular first-team football.

But Yanga-Mbiwa - who swapped the Premier League for Serie A on a permanent basis last season, after an initial loan from Newcastle - feels the 29-year-old would be right at home in the Italian capital."He's a great player, he has all the qualities to play in Serie A," he told reporters.

Yanga-Mbiwa is already looking forward to the coming campaign for the Serie A runners-up and says the return of Leandro Castan following brain surgery could prove pivotal in their efforts to dethrone champions Juventus.

"This season is very important for me. I have a year's experience behind me and I want to do well," said the French centre-back."Castan's getting back to his level. With him on the pitch, Roma will have everything for a great season."

Meanwhile, rising Italy star Daniele Verde has joined Serie A new-boys Frosinone on loan from Roma for the 2015-16 campaign, the club have confirmed.The teenager made seven Serie A appearances last term, notching two assists, and Rudi Garcia is keen for him to develop further with regular playing time.

"Frosinone Calcio announces that it has acquired the player Daniele Verde," a statement confirmed. "The 19-year-old arrives from Roma on a temporary basis."

 

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I'd love to play for Bayern, reveals Ibrahimovic

Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed he would relish the chance to play for Bayern Munich before he retires.

The outspoken Swede has been touted for a return to AC Milan this summer, with president Silvio Berlusconi admitting only last weekend that he still wants to sign the striker despite the arrivals of Luiz Adriano and Carlos Bacca.Ibrahimovic, however, has claimed he has one eye on playing in the Bundesliga before he retires and telegraphed his interest in the German champions specifically.

"It's certainly a league that fascinates me. Maybe one day I could play there, I still have time," the 33-year-old told 11Freunde."If I went to Germany, I'd have to play for Bayern. They're one of the five best teams in the world."

Any prospective deal to take Ibrahimovic to the Allianz Arena would be complicated by Pep Guardiola's position as head coach, however, given the turbulent relationship between the duo during their time at Barcelona.

 

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Porto off? Casillas and Madrid at impasse over exit

Iker Casillas' exit to Porto has hit a snag after the goalkeeper and Real Madrid were unable to agree terms on a financial compensation package.

The Spain veteran has accepted a proposed contract from Porto worth €2.5 to 3 million a year after deciding to bring his long spell with the 2014 European champions to an end.

However, Goal understands the transfer cannot be rubber-stamped just yet as Casillas has failed to find an agreement with his current employers over compensation for the remaining two years on his current contract.

With no club willing to offer the 34-year-old the same €7m-per-season salary that he receives in the Spanish capital, Casillas has been forced into negotiations with los Blancos in order to make up the shortfall in his salary.Madrid, however, have so far been unwilling to accept demands to pay the outstanding amount owed on his contract following discussions late on Thursday.

While the move to Porto is far from being called off, the impasse does throw Casillas and Madrid's plans into confusion, with the squad already having been summoned by new coach Rafa Benitez for the start of pre-season earlier on Thursday.

The goalkeeper had been keen to tie up his future prior to pre-season commitments, with last season's Liga runners-up officially beginning their preparations for the new campaign on Friday.His agent, Santos Marquez, had earlier confirmed Casillas was happy with the package on offer from Porto.