..::Football III::..

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Immobile admits Dortmund disappointment

Ciro Immobile has admitted his solitary season for Borussia Dortmund was a big disappointment after joining Sevilla on a 12-month loan deal.The striker signed for Dortmund from Torino in a €19 million deal last summer after ending the 2012-14 campaign as Serie A's top scorer with 22 goals.

However, Immobile failed to fill the boots of Robert Lewandowski, who had left for Bayern Munich, as he scored just three goals last term.As a result, BVB opted to allow him to join Sevilla on a temporary deal on Sunday, which could be turned into a permanent move.

"For me it is an important year, because last year was not good," Immobile said.
"It is beautiful to play in the Champions League and a new championship, I hope to do well.

"I am very happy because Sevilla are an important team. First I talked with [director of football] Monchi, who told me this is like a family, and for me it is very important this year to become part of this family after a negative year."Thanks to the president and Monchi who helped me come here. I'd like to be a few years at Sevilla, I hope to find a family in this team."

 

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Perez on Madrid's De Gea pursuit: He belongs to Manchester United

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has refused to shed light on the club’s pursuit of David De Gea, insisting that the Spaniard remains a Manchester United player.

Goal understands that United have given up hope of keeping hold of the 24-year-old, with the player informing the club that he will not sign the £200,000-a-week contract that is currently on offer.

Perez, though, is remaining tight-lipped on the potential acquisition of De Gea, and says he will not speak about the shot-stopper in public.

"De Gea is a great goalkeeper and belongs to Manchester United, a friend of the club," he told reporters. "I have nothing to say about a friend of the club."

Madrid have identified De Gea as a potential replacement for Iker Casillas, with the 34-year-old having joined FC Porto over the weekend, though Perez says the legendary goalkeeper is "irreplaceable".

"Casillas has earned over 25 years our respect and our affection and with impeccable behaviour," he added. "He’s the best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and the best goalkeeper in the history of Spanish football.

"Iker leaves us because that was his wish. No one from Real Madrid has asked him to leave the club. He had an offer and asked us to value the offer.

"Casillas has earned the club make the effort to listen. I understand Iker when he wants to start a new stage. I would have liked him to finish his career at Real Madrid, but I understand it."

 

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Official: Leicester City appoint Ranieri

Leicester City have appointed Claudio Ranieri as the club's new manager, with the Italian succeeding the recently axed Nigel Pearson.

The experienced 63-year-old has agreed a three-year contract and has joined up with his new squad at their pre-season training camp in Austria, with his first competitive match in charge coming against Sunderland on August 8.

A host of coaches had been linked with the vacant post, including Marco Bielsa, Martin O'Neill and even Peter Schmeichel, but it is Ranieri who will be in the King Power Stadium dugout this season.

The Italian helped kick-start Roman Abramovich's Chelsea revolution over a decade ago, but has been less successful recently in unspectacular spells with Inter, Monaco and Greece - notably losing to the Faroe Islands.

“I'm so glad to be here in a club with such a great tradition as Leicester City," Ranieri told the club's official website. “I have worked at many great clubs, in many top leagues, but since I left Chelsea I have dreamt of another chance to work in the best league in the world again.

“I wish to thank the owner, his son and all the executives of the club for the opportunity they are giving me. Now I've only one way for returning their trust: squeeze all my energies to getting the best results for the team.”

Leicester vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha added: “It is my great pleasure to welcome Claudio Ranieri – a man of remarkable experience and knowledge that will lead us into the next phase of our long-term plan for Leicester City.

“His achievements in the game, his knowledge of English football and his record of successfully coaching some of the world’s finest players made him the outstanding candidate for the job and his ambitions for the future reflect our own.

“To have attracted one of the world’s elite managers speaks volumes both for the progress Leicester City has made in recent years and for the potential that remains for the club’s long-term development.”

 

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Lloris suffers fractured wrist during Tottenham training

Tottenham have confirmed that Hugo Lloris has suffered a fractured wrist during pre-season training.

The 28-year-old is now a doubt for Spurs' Premier League season opener away to Manchester United on August 8.

Lloris has been linked with a move to United as a replacement for David De Gea, who is closing in on a move to Real Madrid.

“The France goalkeeper will continue to work alongside the First Team squad to build up his fitness in a bid to be ready for the start of the season,” read a statement from Tottenham.

“Our medical team will continue to monitor his rehabilitation and progress during pre-season.”

Michel Vorm, who joined from Swansea City last July, will deputise in the France international's absence

 

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Rodgers: Firmino is a top-class player

Brendan Rodgers believes Roberto Firmino will adapt to life in the Premier League and has hailed Liverpool’s new signing.

The Brazil international secured a €30 million move to Anfield in June, with the 23-year-old becoming a part of a major recruitment drive by the Reds this summer.

And Rodgers has little doubt that Firmino will prove to be a hit in the Premier League, having scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists for Hoffenheim in all competitions in 2014-15.

"Roberto Firmino is a top class player,” Rodgers told reporters at a press conference in Thailand ahead of a series of pre-season friendlies.

“Of course there is no pressure. He will come into the Premier League, it takes a bit of time to adapt. But he has all the traits we want from a player. He works very hard.”

Liverpool agreed to sell Raheem Sterling to Manchester City for a fee of £49m on Sunday, and Rodgers later confirmed that the winger is set to leave the club in the coming days.

The Northern Irishman did not wish to elaborate on potential targets when quizzed on the club’s transfer activity, however.

"Transfers is not really something I want to go into in a press conference,” he added.

“I spent a lot of past season talking about transfers and don't intend to this year. Any business done will be done behind the scenes at the club."

 

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Monaco sign El Shaarawy from AC Milan

Monaco have signed Stephan El Shaarawy from AC Milan, the Ligue 1 club have confirmed.

The 22-year-old Italy international, who has struggled with injuries since his emergence in the Milan first team, arrives at the Stade Louis II on a season-long loan, with the principality club holding an option to buy.

The striker made over 100 appearances for the Rossoneri in all competitions since joining from Genoa in 2011 but spoke of his delight at his new challenge

"It's a great feeling to sign here in the principality," he told the club's official website as the news was made official. "I'm very happy. I would like to thank the president of AS Monaco for this chance.

"I hope to have a great season with Monaco and to give pleasure to the fans."

Monaco's vice president Vadim Vasilyev believes the club have made a statement with the lucrative signing.

"We're very proud to welcome Stephan El Shaarawy, whose arrival marks a high point in our recruitment strategy," he said.

"He has several seasons experience at a high level but at the same time represents the future. His talent permitted him to explode into the eyes of the footballing world some time ago and we're convinced that Monaco will allow him to reach his full potential."

El Shaarawy made 14 Serie A starts for Milan last season, scoring three goals and setting up a further three.

 

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Chelsea reveal Falcao's shirt number

Chelsea have confirmed that Radamel Falcao will wear the No.9 shirt for the new season.

The Colombia international completed his loan move to Stamford Bridge earlier in July, but will join up with his new team-mates during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States later this month, after being given an extended holiday due to his participation at the Copa America.

Chelsea’s No.9 shirt was last worn by Fernando Torres before the Spaniard’s departure to AC Milan last August.

The Premier League champions have also confirmed that new signing Asmir Begovic will take Petr Cech’s No.1 shirt following the 33-year-old’s move to Arsenal.

Thibaut Courtois will keep his No.13 jersey.

Jose Mourinho’s side will face New York Red Bulls, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona during their pre-season tour of the United States, while they begin the new Premier League campaign against Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on August 8.

 

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Nainggolan targets Serie A glory after signing new Roma deal

Radja Nainggolan has outlined his desire to win Serie A with Roma this season after signing a new five-year deal with the club.

The Belgium international, who became a full Roma player last month after the Serie A club bought Cagliari's share of the player, had been linked with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool.Nainggolan's previous contract had been due to expire in 2018, but he has now put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at the Stadio Olimpico until 2020 and spoke of his delight at committing to the Giallorossi.

"I'm delighted to have extended my stay at this club," he told the club. "I'll do everything I can for this shirt to repay Roma for the faith they've shown in me.
"My aims for this year? I hope to finally win the Scudetto or if not at least another trophy."

Roma could be set to welcom Kevin Strootman and Leandro Castan back from injury, which Nainggolan feels will be a welcome boost for the team."I'm really pleased for both of them. Castan had a very unusual injury and it was hard to know how it was going to turn out. He's getting close to 100% again now and everyone on the team is delighted for him.

"Having Leo back will be a massive bonus. Kevin was unlucky because he injured the same knee twice but he's on the road to recovery as well now."It's great to see the two of them so eager to get back out there on the pitch and help us."

Having established himself as an integral part of Roma's first team, the 27-year-old made 46 appearances in all competitions last season as Rudi Garcia's side again finished second in Serie A behind Juventus.

 

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Gotze was always destined to reach the top, says former coach

Germany's World Cup final hero Mario Gotze was always destined to reach great heights in his career, according to a former youth team coach of his.

Exactly a year ago, after 90 goalless minutes at the Maracana in Brazil, Gotze popped up with the decisive extra-time strike in a 1-0 victory against Argentina as Germany won their fourth World Cup.

At 23-years-old, Gotze has already won four Bundesliga titles and two DFB-Pokal medals in spells with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.Michael Jager, a coach of Gotze during his time at Eintracht Hombruch, remembers spotting the Bayern star's talent early on.

"You could already see that he was very talented," he told Spox.com. "You couldn't say for sure if he would play in the Bundesliga, but he was one of the best players and you could see that he could become very good.

"The final of the World Cup was very intense for me. Especially when Gotze was subbed in and scored the goal in overtime. That was fantastic, I got goosebumps."
After winning the World Cup, Gotze was perceived by some to have failed to hit his usual lofty standards during a 2014-15 campaign that saw Bayern once again win the Bundesliga.However, Helmut Albat - who Gotze worked with at SC Ronsberg - believes the 23-year-old needs more minutes on the pitch.

"He was noticeable at a young age. He was two years younger than the others, already had a good technique and passed the ball in front of the goal. You don't see that very often," he said."He has a hard time right now, many people are criticising him. How can you criticise someone who only plays five minutes?

"You cannot say that he is bad when he only gets to play very few minutes. I don't like what is happening right now. The club isn't standing beside him and the press is very hard to him."

 

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Gotze lip-syncs to World Cup winning goal

On the first anniversary of his World Cup winning goal against Argentina, Germany international Mario Gotze chose to relive on the momentous occasion by lip-syncing to the commentary of his strike.

After 90 goalless minutes, the final clash went into extra time at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro and it was the Bayern Munich man who popped up to make the difference against the Albiceleste. The 23-year-old midfielder met a cross at the front post and controlled it with his chest before smashing it into the net with just seven minutes left.

And reflecting back on that incredible moment, Gotze posted a video on Instagram of him mimicking the commentary of the decisive goal.

 

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'I'm still in my best form' - Tevez unveiled at Boca Juniors

Carlos Tevez has spoken of his delight at returning to Boca Juniors as he was unveiled as the club's latest signing.

The striker returns to the Argentine side at which he started his career before going on to enjoy spells at the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus

And the 31-year-old, who rejected a move to Atletico Madrid in order to return to the Buenos Aires side, said he has been waiting for a year to return "home" and insisted that he is still in the best form of his career.

"When I left Boca I was 20 years old," he said. "Now, at 31, I'm bigger, more experienced, and I need to be an example for the youngest players. I'm back in my best form at the moment.

"I have been thinking about coming back here for a year.

"I am really grateful to Atletico coach Diego Simeone for his interest, but I chose Boca, my home.

"I want to train tomorrow with my team-mates, and show them on Saturday against Quilmes that I'm in good condition to play.

"Rodolfo Arruabarrena, the coach, knows where I can play and what I can do so I will listen to him.

"Juan Roman Riquelme is my friend. He is the biggest - the idol of Boca. I'm here to write my story, not to replace him."

 

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Abidal: Barcelona cannot let Pedro leave

Barcelona cannot afford to let long-serving winger Pedro leave the club this summer, according to Eric Abidal.

The winger, who has been at the Barca since 2004, signed a contract extension with the club in April that ties him to the Camp Nou side until 2019. The renewal, however, brought his release clause down from €150 million to €30m and he continues to be linked to a move away from Catalunya this summer, with both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested.

Abidal, who is part of Joan Laporta's presidential campaign and is to be named the club's sporting director if he wins the forthcoming election, insists that the 27-year-old is still a key part of the team and must stay where he is.

"Players such as Pedro cannot be allowed to go," he said. "I know him as a player but also as a person. He is a player who fits into the first team very well. When we won everything in 2009, the most important goals were his."The work was of the whole team, but sometimes you have to go into the finer details and Pedro is a player who always gives these details.

"Pedro is still an important part of this squad, but everyone knows that the player always wants to play and before he had more minutes than now. If Laporta wins, we will look at his future.”

After completing the signings of Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan, Josep Maria Bartomeu says the team at coach Luis Enrique's disposal is complete, but Abidal feels further improvements must be made, admitting that Paul Pogba is one target he would like to look at.

“What Bartomeu says is something that goes along with his project. We have ours, and I can say that for us the squad is not complete," he said. "There are players who may leave and others who may arrive.“It’s true that Pogba is on the shortlist, like other players. If Laporta wins the election on July 18, the next day we will inform the members of what we plan to do.”

“I want to know what Luis Enrique thinks and what he thinks about the future of the squad."

 

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Arteta: Cech's ambition will lift the Arsenal team

Mikel Arteta has hailed Petr Cech's 'ambition' following the goalkeeper's decision to join Arsenal from Chelsea this summer.

Cech spent 11 years at Stamford Bridge and won a host of trophies including four Premier League titles and the Champions League.

In his final season at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho preferred Thibaut Courtois to Cech as his first-choice goalkeeper - a decision which triggered the 33-year-old's move to Arsene Wenger's side.

"[He brings] experience, commitment, I think he will be a really good example for the other lads because his ambition is still intact, even though he's won many trophies with Chelsea," Arteta said.

"When you get to know him you realise that it's why he's won. Those type of signings give a lift to the whole team.

"And the decision he's made as well, to come here, because he knows he's going to get some pressure and some stick from the Chelsea fans because he's a hero there.

"He still wanted to compete in the best league in the world, at one of the best teams in the world as well. So it says a lot about him.

"He is very cool, he’s been training very well and he’s not here just to sit on his back. He wants to compete, he wants to keep winning and he’s a good lad."

 

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Thiago Motta: No way I'll stay at Paris Saint-Germain

Thiago Motta has revealed his intention to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
The midfielder has been heavily linked to a move to Atletico Madrid, while Inter are reportedly interested in bringing him back to San Siro.

The 32-year-old has hinted at his unhappiness at Parc des Princes for several months, and he has revealed that he plans to bring an end to his three-year spell in the French capital.

""It's time to start a new cycle," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport."There is no way I will stay at PSG. I've already told Laurent Blanc that I want to leave."

The Brazil-born Italy international, who has won eight trophies at PSG, including three Ligue 1 titles, is out of contract next summer.

 

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Schweinsteiger: Injury problems won't affect my Man United career

Bastian Schweinsteiger insists he is over his injury problems and believes Manchester United are capable of winning titles next season.

Schweinsteiger completed his move to United on Monday and signed a three-year contract following his arrival Bayern Munich.

The 30-year-old was limited to just 15 Bundesliga starts last season after helping Germany win the World Cup last summer, but he told MUTV: "Everything is fine and I'm looking forward to giving my best for Manchester United and I'm really happy to be here.

"Of course, I had a tough World Cup so after that I was injured until I think end of October.

"But then I had great weeks and months with Bayern, I was not injured and I am feeling great now."

The midfielder added: "I'm here to win titles and that's what United is used to, too. I'm looking forward to playing in the jersey.

"I know Louis van Gaal, so coming here was a little bit easier, but it's not about him, it's more about the club, such a big club with tradition and, with this quality in the team, we can win titles next season.

"I'm looking forward to that moment in the jersey and to play for the team and the great supporters."

 

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Wenger: Man United have signed two top-class players in Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Manchester United have signed “two top-class players” in Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin.

After guiding United to a fourth-placed finish last season, Louis van Gaal has moved quickly to bolster his side ahead the new campaign with the arrivals of the two midfielders, as well as Memphis Depay from PSV and Matteo Darmian from Torino.

“We knew they wouldn’t be happy with finishing outside the top three and that they would respond,” said Wenger.

“They have made some interesting signings. They came out of the season thinking they have to rebuild their midfield, and they did it by buying two important players - Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin. They are two top-class players.

“One who is now coming up to the top level in Schneiderlin, and one who has done it all. It will be interesting to see how they mix with the other players."

 

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Arsenal happy to play Benzema waiting game

Arsenal are prepared to bide their time and wait until the end of the transfer window for a potential deal to sign Karim Benzema from Real Madrid.

Arsene Wenger has identified his fellow Frenchman as his top target to improve the Gunners’ attack this summer and still believes the striker could end up in north London.

Real Madrid have said that Benzema is not for sale and the 27-year-old is happy in the Spanish capital, but Arsenal are closely monitoring his situation.

Manchester United have also expressed an interest in the France international should he become available towards the end of the transfer window.

Arsenal believe they can clinch a deal for Benzema in a similar manner to the £42.5 million (€60m) signing of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid on the final day of the transfer window in 2013.

There has been speculation in Spain that Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale have both been pencilled in to play in more central positions by new Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez.

Benzema is known as a favourite of Madrid president Florentino Perez but could look to move if he finds himself out of the side in the early part of the season.

Wenger wants to add a top quality forward to his squad and has allowed alternatives to join other clubs this summer in the hope that Benzema will become available in August.

Arsenal are prepared to spend around £35m (€50m) on Benzema as they look to make the former Lyon man their marquee summer signing following the arrivals of Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the last two years.

Wenger has told confidants that, if he cannot land Benzema, he is prepared to continue with Olivier Giroud as the club’s main striker next season, with Sanchez and Theo Walcott also able to play as central strikers.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain, but Wenger has made it clear that he believes Benzema is the player that can fire Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2004.

Benzema joined Real Madrid from Lyon in 2009 and has won one La Liga title and the Champions League since his arrival. Last season, he scored 22 goals in 46 appearances for the club in all competitions.

 

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Benzema or Lacazette Arsenal join wei​

 

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Stoke City admit defeat in Shaqiri chase

Mark Hughes has admitted defeat in Stoke City's pursuit of Xherdan Shaqiri but remains hopeful over a possible future deal.

Reports surfaced at the beginning of July that the Potters had launched an ambitious move for the Inter winger, with Roberto Mancini then conceding the player could be sold this summer - despite only arriving at San Siro in January.

Stoke striker Peter Crouch then tweeted about a possible deal but Hughes feels, after discussions with Shaqiri, a move is now unlikely and other players have been targeted.

"I went out and spoke to Shaqiri," he told reporters. "We had a good chat. We needed to establish whether a deal could get done and we didn't sense that.

"Maybe it is one that could be revisited, but I would say that it is probably not likely to happen. We have other targets now."

Shaqiri was viewed as a possible replacement for Victor Moses, who spent last on loan at the Britannia Stadium, with Hughes not expecting to sign the winger from Chelsea for a second term.

He added: "I think Chelsea have taken a view on Victor Moses and their thinking is that they would like to keep him. He did well for us last year.

"We are pleased with our deals so far. A couple have frustrated us. We are encouraged by conversations we are having with good players.

"We will continue to look to bring in top players right up until the deadline at the end of August."

Stoke have been busy during the transfer window, though, signing six players - including Marco van Ginkel on loan, striker Joselu for £5.74 million (€8m) and Shay Given on a free transfer.

Glen Johnson has also joined on a free and Hughes is expecting big things from the former England international, adding: "He is a proven, experienced player and this is a great move for him.

"I have been really impressed by what he has said to me.We feel that Johnson will have a big impact upon the team this season. We are delighted to have him here."

 

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Barcelona are like a slippery eel, Juventus are battery chickens - Allegri

Massimiliano Allegri has described Barcelona as being akin to “a slippery eel” and says that his Juventus side can learn a lot from the style of play which saw the Catalan giants win the Champions League last season.

The Bianconeri fell to a 3-1 defeat against Luis Enrique’s outfit in the Berlin final in June and, as Juve look to go one step better in 2015-16, Allegri insists his players must demonstrate a more carefree nature if they are to collect a third European crown.“After we drew level in the final they we stunned and we were growing. I felt as though we were well on top,” Allegri told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Unfortunately, they bounced back because they were like an eel; we almost had them but they slipped out of our hands. And their front three are an eel too, they are impossible to stop.

“They were very good, but we were like battery chickens. Every moment is different in football and you cannot just play the same way over and over like on an assembly line. We must restore some freedom to the players.”

Having collected the Italian domestic double, 2014-15 was still considered to be a successful first season for Allegri at Juventus. Yet when he first arrived there had been a negative response from fans who were still reeling from Antonio Conte’s resignation.“It was normal there was some distrust towards me,” added Allegri. “It’s like when a boyfriend leaves his girlfriend, the fans of Juve had just lost their girlfriend.”

His second term might be a more difficult prospect in light of the loss of Carlos Tevez, who was officially unveiled as a Boca Juniors player on Monday. However, the 47-year-old believes it was in everybody’s best interests that the Argentine moved on.

“Carlitos was undecided. But when a player does not have the fire inside him, it is right to let him go where he wants," he added.