..::Football III::..

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Arteta: Arsenal used to sell the best players, now we're buying them

Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta has hailed the “transformation” of the club in recent years and claims they now sign the best players in the world rather than sell their star men.

Arteta joined Arsenal in 2011 during a period in which they sold several key players including Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri and failed to win a trophy between 2005 and 2014.

But Arsenal have won the FA Cup in the last two seasons while bringing high-profile signings such as Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech to north London.

Arteta is delighted with Cech’s recent arrival from Chelsea and says the goalkeeper’s transfer highlights the change in Arsenal’s ambition.

“Five or six years ago we were selling our best players,” Arteta told Goal. “Now, we are keeping our best players and bringing some of the best players in the world to this club. It’s a big transformation.

“Petr Cech is another sign of how ambitious we are and what we want to achieve. We had two really good goalkeepers and we still went to the market and bought probably one of the top three in the world.

“I think he’s going to be another good addition. He’s got a big history and he has shown a lot of character.

“It’s a difficult decision to move from Chelsea, being a legend there, to come to Arsenal. He still wanted to come here and repeat here what he did over there. I think that’s a good lesson for all the players here.”

Arteta signed a one-year contract extension to stay at the club next season and believes Arsene Wenger’s side are on the verge of a title challenge.

“The energy here is very good, it’s positive,” he added. “We can sense that something has changed in the last few seasons, so we are looking forward to getting ready and to start performing again.

“I think we have improved in every department in the club. The squad has improved, the confidence around the team and the connection with the supporters is very good at the moment.

“We need to use all of those elements to keep moving forwards and aim for bigger trophies. That’s what we’re looking for now.

“It took a while for this club to change, but I think we are moving in the right direction now.”

Arteta replaced Thomas Vermaelen as Arsenal’s club captain last summer but was restricted to just seven Premier League appearances as his season was ruined by injury problems.

The Spaniard hopes to lift the Premier League trophy at the end of the coming season and believes the team spirit within the squad is better than ever.

“When you’re captain, you have to make some decisions that some people don’t like and you have to go through difficult moments and difficult meetings,” Arteta said.

“But you also want to be part of it when the good things come up. It’s about both things.

“We have an extraordinary group now and I’m more than happy to keep leading this team and this group of players.

“It’s not just up to me, we have so many senior players and I want to get the young players involved too. We need to start stepping it up.

“The spirit is good, there’s banter between the French, the Spanish, the English... any nationality. The main thing is that you have good characters and good personalities.

“They’ve shown how good they are in the difficult moments. That’s when you see people’s reactions and whether they want to kill each other or help each other.

“This group has always shown the right attitude in the difficult moments.

“Since I came here, from the first day to what we have now, there is a big difference. It takes a while and you need everybody on the same route.

“You have some ups and downs but it’s part of the development.”

 

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Singapore XI 0-4 Arsenal: Akpom grabs hat-trick in routine pre-season victory

Arsenal beat a Singapore Select XI 4-0 on Wednesday to reach the Asia Trophy final, with Chuba Akpom scoring a hat-trick.

Arsenal struggled to truly impose themselves for long spells but Akpom - who has spent time on loan at Brentford, Coventry City and Nottingham Forest in recent seasons without scoring - added late gloss having broken the deadlock after 30 minutes.

A Jack Wilshere penalty doubled Arsenal's advantage on the hour before Akpom netted a spot-kick of his own and completed his hat-trick with a powerful header.

Akpom had never previously scored a senior goal for the club but his treble set up a final against Everton, who beat Stoke City on penalties earlier in the day.

Petr Cech - Arsenal's only major close-season signing so far - was given a watching brief at the National Stadium and saw his new side make a slow start to the encounter.

The visitors eventually found their feet, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain producing a powerful drive to test goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud after 15 minutes.

The England midfielder fancied his chances again soon afterwards but sent the ball whistling over the crossbar from 30 yards.

Arsenal broke the deadlock through Akpom on the half-hour mark. After Wilshere had seen his route to goal blocked by Baihakki Khaizan, the ball fell kindly to the youngster, who drilled home a low effort.

Izwan collected at Akpom's feet as the Premier League side looked to instantly double their advantage, while fellow youth product Alex Iwobi scooped well over when played through on goal 10 minutes after the break.

Arsenal had to wait until the 60th minute to finally double their advantage, with Wilshere slotting home a penalty after Sirina Camara had caught Mathieu Debuchy in the box, and Akpom doubled his own tally with another spot-kick 16 minutes later - Izwan lunging recklessly at the feet of Jon Toral.

Akpom's treble was complete in the 79th minute when the forward climbed to head home a well-flighted Hector Bellerin cross and he would have finished with four goals had it not been for a strong Izwan save in the 90th minute.

 

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Nastasic: Pellegrini never gave me a chance at Man City

Matija Nastasic does not believe Manuel Pellegrini gave him a fair chance to break back into the first team at Manchester City.

Nastasic was signed from Fiorentina by Roberto Mancini in 2012 and became a first-team regular under the Italian.

However, following the Italian's sacking, the centre-back made just 13 Premier League appearances with new boss Pellegrini in charge as City reclaimed the title.

Nastasic did not feature at all for City before making the move to Schalke in January during the 2014-15 season.

"City always have a good team with 25 top players, but the coach is only able to let 11 of them play," he told Goal. "That's not easy.

"In my first year, I played a lot of games. In the first half of my second season, it was also good. Then I got injured and missed over three months. Then I returned and didn't play anymore.

"I spoke to Manuel Pellegrini, we've talked two or three times. He said he'd give me a chance, but I didn't feel so. It was a hard time.

"Six months before I came to Schalke, I didn't play a single game for City. I only played for the national team. I am happier to be here now."

Nastasic made the move away from City to Germany, but believes the Premier League will be a more attractive prospect to players than ever before following the new television rights deal.

"Every club in the Premier League has an unbelievable amount of money," he said. "Now they signed a new TV deal. They have totally different possibilities and almost every player can be paid.

"They just ask: 'How much?' and then they pay the money."

Nastasic was signed at Schalke by Roberto Di Matteo but does not fear for his future after the former Chelsea boss was replaced by Andre Breitenreiter.

"It was a pleasure to play under Di Matteo," he said. "That he left, isn't a problem. It's football's business that coaches change.

"A new coach with new ideas can also be an advantage for the players. Especially because Andre Breitenreiter is good new coach."

He added: "Andre is a great person. I can see the enthusiasm in his eyes and also feel it, when he speaks to us. He is passionate and likes to communicate, that’s important for me and the team.

"I like his style. Together we can archieve a lot."

 

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Khedira: Juventus on par with Real Madrid

Sami Khedira does not believe Juventus are inferior to Real Madrid and suggested Spanish football isn't stronger than its Italian counterpart.

The midfielder, 28, spent five seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, but injuries affected his game time in recent years and he was ignored by coach Carlo Ancelotti for much of 2014-15.

Khedira's contract with the Blancos expired at the end of June, before which it had been announced that he would be linking up with the Scudetto and Coppa Italia holders on a four-year deal.

Juve reached the Champions League final last season – knocking Madrid out en route in the semis – and Khedira lauded the strength of Serie A at his unveiling on Wednesday.

"I wanted a fresh challenge and Juventus give me just that," the Germany international told reporters. "They're on the same level as Real Madrid."It will be a real honour for me to play in this league. It's a tough championship and full of strong sides.

"I don't consider the Italian league to be inferior. It's a high-quality championship and tactically challenging."Juve have displayed their ability to compete with top European clubs. I'm here to reach another Champions League final."

Khedira only started seven games in 2014-15 for Madrid – three of which were in the early rounds of the Copa del Rey – and says that lack of match sharpness caused him to work on his fitness through the European footballing holiday window.

"I've been working with a personal trainer over the last two weeks of my holiday," he added. "I feel in good shape. I'm here to play but I know I have to earn my place in the starting XI.

"There's plenty of competition in midfield. I've played very little competitive football since March, so that's why I chose to work with a personal trainer."

 

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Depay: I snubbed Bayern for Manchester United

Memphis Depay has revealed how he snubbed Bayern Munich for a chance to work with Louis van Gaal at Manchester United.

The 21-year-old left PSV this summer to join the Red Devils on a four-year deal for a fee in believed to be in the region of €30 million.

Paris Saint-Germain have previously claimed that Manchester United hijacked their deal for the Netherlands international and Depay has revealed that there was plenty of interest in his signature.

"There were discussions with nearly all the top clubs," he told Sport Bild. "Bayern were one of them but, in the end, Manchester United came out on top."

Goal revealed last season that Van Gaal had spoken to Depay to advise him to stay at PSV for one more year before moving and the forward says that his new coach convinced him to move to Old Trafford.

"I can't say who the best coach in the world is," Depay replied when asked if he was tempted to work with Bayern boss Pep Guardiola.

"There are definitely a lot of good and well-known managers and Pep Guardiola is certainly one of them.

"But I only spoke to Louis van Gaal and he totally convinced me. He gave me the feeling that I was very important for him not only as a player but also as a person - and then it was clear that I would go to Manchester United."

 

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Liverpool hand Firmino No.11 shirt

Liverpool have announced their squad numbers for the coming season, with new boy Roberto Firmino handed the No.11 shirt.

Firmino joined the Reds for a fee in the region of £28 million (€41m) and follows in the footsteps of other notable No.11s such as Vladimir Smicer, Yossi Benayoun and Jamie Redknapp.

Nathaniel Clyne takes the No.2 shirt, vacated by Glen Johnson, while Joe Gomez will wear the No.12 shirt last used by Victor Moses and goalkeeper Adam Bogdan takes Martin Kelly's former shirt No.34.

Brendan Rodgers has looked to strenthen his squad following a disappointing season, although Raheem Sterling moved to Manchester City on Tuesday for £49 million (€70m), he has already added six new signings.

Confirmed earlier this month, Danny Ings has been handed the No.28 shirt with James Milner taking No.7. Divock Origi, who signed last summer before returning to Lille on loan, takes the No.27 shirt.

 

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Gerrard makes competitive LA Galaxy debut in loss

Steven Gerrard made his competitive bow for LA Galaxy as his new side lost 1-0 to Real Salt Lake in the US Open Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Three days after a 45-minute run-out against Club America, the 35-year-old was brought on a half-time and missed a chance to open his account for Galaxy before Aaron Maunde's late header settled the game.

Playing in an advanced midfield role, Gerrard was put through on goal nine minutes after his introduction - only to be denied by opposition goalkeeper Jeff Attinella.

"I walk away disappointed with the result. I move away with another 45 minutes under my belt, so that will get me towards full fitness,” Gerrard told the club's official website.

"But I'm walking away with a cheeky smile, because I'm very happy with my feeling in the game I'm very confident moving forward.

"It's been a whirlwind change over the last week or two. I'm two weeks into a brand new challenge and a very big change and I'm still searching for 100 per cent fitness, but I can feel it coming.

"I'd be very frustrated and disappointed if I wasn't getting chances while the chances are there. I know and have full belief in myself that them chances will sooner rather than later go in the back of the net."

 

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Time for Liverpool youth to step up after Sterling exit - Fowler

Liverpool great Robbie Fowler has urged the club's young stars to step up and show their worth following the departure of Raheem Sterling.

The England forward completed a move to Manchester City on Tuesday in a deal worth up to £49 million after a drawn-out transfer saga.

Sterling received criticism for his conduct over the transfer but Fowler - who scored 183 goals across two spells at Anfield - believes that Liverpool have to draw a line under the situation and look to the future.

"Raheem Sterling is a very good player but ultimately it's his decision, he wanted to move elsewhere," he told Omnisport.

"As a club I think they have respected the player and it happens in football. It happened when we lost an unbelievable player in Luis Suarez and this year we've lost Raheem Sterling.

"It's up to the young players now to come through and maybe try and forget about Raheem Sterling and what he's done. Hopefully the new players will shine a little bit more."

Fowler's words were echoed by another Liverpool legend, Ian Rush.

"Raheem has gone now so we've got to look to the future," said the man who scored 346 goals for the Reds. "There are a lot of great players at Liverpool. We've got to concentrate on pre-season and the players we have.

"It's like everything, everyone comes and goes. Kenny Dalglish, Luis Suarez, whoever. At the end of the day we'll concentrate on what we've got and l'm looking forward to it because we have a lot of good new signings.

"I think pre-season is to gel all of them together. Hopefully when the first day of the season comes, we've got a team that knows each other."

 

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‘Fantastic’ Schweinsteiger has boosted Manchester United, says Rooney

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney says that the arrival of Bastian Schweinsteiger has given Louis van Gaal's side a boost ahead of the new Premier League season.

The Red Devils have again spent heavily this summer, bringing in Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian and Morgan Schneiderlin as well as the Germany international.

All four new signings have joined United for their pre-season tour of the US and Rooney believes that these are exciting times for Van Gaal's men.

"Bastian is a very experienced player who has won everything in the game and it's great that he has chosen to join us and left a team like Bayern Munich to come here," the forward told MUTV.

"And Morgan as well – it's great to see Bastian, him, Matteo and Memphis all come in and give the squad a boost. It's exciting times and I'm sure, over the next week or two, it'll be great for us to get some training sessions in and get to know each other's games."

The Red Devils kick off their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Club America on Saturday and Rooney is looking forward to seeing how the new signings adapt.

"Bastian speaks very good English so that's a boost for the squad, too," he added. "He's a fantastic player, he's shown that over the years and it's great that we've got him and I'm sure he'll be a good player for us.

"We had the day we first flew out when we first met Bastian and Morgan and they've settled in as well as they can do in a couple of days. It's great to have them with us."

 

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'Madrid made a disaster of Casillas exit'

Real Madrid forced Iker Casillas to leave, according to his agent Santos Marquez, who branded the manner of his exit to Porto a "disaster".

The iconic goalkeeper ended a 25-year stay at the Santiago Bernabeu last week when he confirmed a move to Porto.

A five-time Liga winner who helped Madrid to three Champions League crowns, Casillas had faced heavy criticism since he was dropped by then-Madrid coach Jose Mourinho in 2012.

Despite repeat claims from the club that the Spain international had orchestrated the Santiago Bernabeu departure, Casillas' agent and lawyer has claimed the opposite is true and that new coach Rafa Benitez dodged attempts to discuss his future.

"Casillas never decided to jump ship and leave Madrid. He was pushed," Marquez said when speaking to Marca and Cope.

"Casillas did not ask to leave, he has been annoyed and everything about his exit had been agreed behind his back. He has to go, so he accepts that, but at no point did Casillas want to leave.

"One factor was the whistles he received from the Bernabeu, but another is the support from the club. He has never felt defended. Nobody - including Florentino - from the club said 'I will sit with Iker Casillas and I will defend him to the death'. That never happened.

"Benitez has played hide-and-seek, he let me down. We were hoping to talk to the coach. It has not been fair to Iker, it hasn't been the exit he deserves - it's been a disaster."

Earlier, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had been caught on camera admitting Casillas, 34, had endured all he could stomach at the club."He wanted to leave because he'd had a gut full," the Blancos chief was overheard saying at the goalkeeper's hastily organised farewell event on Monday.

The ceremony arrived just 24 hours after the club faced criticism from sections of supporters for initially leaving Casillas alone in the press room to read a brief statement confirming his exit.

 

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Arsenal won't loan out Akpom again, insists Wenger

Arsene Wenger has stressed he wants to include Chuba Akpom in his first-team plans this season after the Arsenal youngster netted an impressive hat-trick in Wednesday's Barclay's Asia Trophy semi-final against a Singapore Select XI.

Akpom has made just four senior appearances for the club he joined at the age of six, but in February shunned interest from Premier League rivals to sign a new long-term contract with the Gunners.

Brief spells at Brentford, Coventry City and Nottingham Forest over the past two years have failed to provide the platform for Akpom to showcase his talent, but Wenger insists the young striker will soon be given a chance to shine at the Emirates Stadium.

"No, he won't be going out on loan," Wenger told reporters after Akpom's Barclay's Asia Trophy semi-final display. "I sent him out on loan last year because I thought he needed that.

"But this season no, I plan to keep him with us. It's down to performance and attitude and he has the assets to be a big talent. And, after that, to be an efficient player week in week out, that's the target.

"So it's down to him. How much I don't know. It's encouragement to do well and work even harder. He’s a young player and it can lift confidence. The confidence you sense in the dressing room from other players is important as well.

"That can help you. But let's not forget it's a friendly. He's a good talent but he has to work and show that in every game."

 

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Wilshere plans talks with Wenger over Arsenal role

Jack Wilshere has revealed he will discuss his role within the Arsenal team with Arsene Wenger before the start of the new season.

The 23-year-old spent over five months on the sidelines after requiring ankle surgery last season.

Wilshere was eased back into action following his return in May and could only come on as a late substitute in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa in the FA Cup final.

The midfielder returned early to pre-season training in order to improve his fitness and admits he faces a fight to secure a regular role in Wenger’s side.

“I haven’t spoken to the boss about what plans he has for me but I will do before the start of the season,” said Wilshere.

“At the moment, I’m just concentrating on getting fit. I had a good end to the season and I just want to keep it going.

“That’s why I wanted to come back in early for pre-season because I felt I missed too much of last season and wanted to give myself the best opportunity to get fit.

“I asked the boss ‘Boss, can I come back early?’ I wanted that because I missed quite a lot of last season.

"The competition is strong in midfield so, yes, it’s down to us as individuals to make that place ours but I’m up for the challenge and I’m sure the other boys are as well.”

Wenger, meanwhile, has indicated that Wilshere could be used as a wide option for the new season.

“For me, Jack can play in all the attacking positions - wide and central; and we have many good creative players. They will all tell you they want to play centrally. Unfortunately, some have to go wide as well,” said the Arsenal manager.

“Jack always had an appetite but he’s been out for a long time. But already in the last two or three games of last season, he has found his burst back. His acceleration.

“For him and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, it is a big part of their game. To be efficient, they need that. There are high demands physically to be perfect. Jack is getting close.

“Like Alex, he was injured last year, early in the season and missed five months. The top level is so demanding physical that to be in and out is a nightmare for the players. Jack needs continuity.

"We have a big squad but not a massive one. The opportunities will be there for everyone.”

 

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Schweinsteiger: I joined Man United to win titles

Bastian Schweinsteiger insists he joined Manchester United to win silverware rather than simply reunite with former boss Louis van Gaal.

The Germany international ended his 17-year association with Bayern Munich to move to Old Trafford in a £12 million deal on Monday, arriving at the same time as Southampton star Morgan Schneiderlin.

And having claimed eight Bundesliga titles, seven DFB Pokals and a Champions League crown in Bavaria as well as the 2014 World Cup with Germany, Schweinsteiger insists he has not lost his hunger for trophies.

"I am very happy to be here and to play for Man United," the 30-year-old said at his unveiling during United's pre-season tour of the United States.

"It is a big honour. It's a new step in my life. I want to win titles, it's easy. Manchester United is used to that and I am too, so that's my goal."

Schweinsteiger fielded questions alongside fellow summer signings Schneiderlin and Matteo Darmian, and Van Gaal admits he is very pleased by United's transfer dealings so far.

"I am very happy because they are in my opinion very good players," the Dutchman added. "That is why Manchester United has bought them.

"I am very happy that they are already here before the tour. We can prepare in the tour all the team elements that I have to implement with the new players. Memphis Depay is also here and now we have three new signings so it's much better than last year."

 

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Van Gaal: I don't know if De Gea will stay, but we'll see with Di Maria

Louis van Gaal has refused to shed any light on whether David de Gea and Angel Di Maria will start the new season at Manchester United.

Earlier this month Goal reported that United had given up hope of keeping De Gea with Real Madrid keen to sign him, while Jorge Mendes this week flew to Paris to discuss a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain for his client Di Maria.

But while he was remarkably forthright in his assertion that Victor Valdes will leave United this summer, Van Gaal was less open to discussing the futures of two of his most high-profile assets.

"We shall see," the United boss told reporters when asked about Di Maria's future. "In football it's a process. It's a process for Di Maria, it's a process for Manchester United. We shall see. I count on him.

"For now he's a member of Manchester United. He's said to me he shall come here on July 25."

On De Gea, he added: "When you ask me about the attitude of De Gea I think the question is stupid. I cannot answer if Manchester United will sign Romero because it is a process. I can't say anything about the process and the strategy of Manchester United.

"I've said that two or three press conferences and you are asking every time the same questions. Maybe you are right, or maybe not, it depends on David de Gea.

"Shall he stay? I don't know! Maybe you? Maybe you have spoken with David? He's training here and doing his utmost best."

 

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De Gea & Di Maria 2nnama thiyaganna one​

 

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Guardiola will make a great Barcelona president - Laporta

Joan Laporta believes Pep Guardiola would make a "great" president for Barcelona in the future and believes the club's fans would be "reckless" to re-elect Josep Maria Bartomeu for the role this week.

Guardiola was made Barca coach during Laporta's reign and enjoyed an unprecedented spell of success at the club, guiding them to a European and domestic treble in his first season.

The Bayern Munich coach has since voiced his support for Laporta's campaign in Saturday's presidential election and the 52-year-old has said Guadiola will be welcome back at Camp Nou in the future.

And Laporta admits that he has spoken to the former midfielder about a return and believes it will happen in some capacity in the future.

"I've spoken to Pep Guardiola about him returning," he told Radio Marca. "He's under contract with Bayern, but he's a free spirit who will always be linked to the club."He could be a great president in the future."

Laporta and Bartomeu are the front runners heading into Saturday's election, although the former feels he has the best chance of winning. He also stressed that re-electing his rival would be a bad idea for Barca after the 50-year-old, who replaced Sandro Rosell at the helm in January 2014, played a role in the Neymar transfer which has led to a legal case being opened up against the club."We've turned the polls on their heads. We're ahead, with 36 per cent of voter intention," he added.

"It would be reckless to have Bartomeu as president after conducting a poll to sell Lionel Messi, and when Barca have been prosecuted for the first time in history over the Neymar case," he told Radio Marca.

"Bartomeu and Rosell are two sides of the same coin. They stand there talking about what it means to be a club when they're there to protect the interests of the sponsors Qatar, which is a ridiculous link that does not make sense financially with being the first time that Barca have had a sponsor on their shirt."If I'm president, Luis Enrique stay. He's improved Barca's style of play and added a certain degree of versatility to it.

 

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Van Gaal: Valdes is out, he doesn't follow my philosophy

Louis van Gaal has hit out at Victor Valdes for not following his “philosophy” and expect the 33-year-old to leave Manchester United this summer.

Goal understands that Valencia are in talks with Valdes’ agent over a potential season-long loan move, with the goalkeeper’s contract with United set to expire next summer.

After leaving Barcelona, Valdes was offered the chance to train with United last October before he signed an 18-month deal in January.

But the Spaniard was excluded from United's pre-season tour of the United States and Van Gaal admits he has been left disappointed by the goalkeeper's attitude.

“Valdes is not selected for the tour because he doesn't follow my philosophy. The philosophy is how you play football and how you maintain your match rhythm,” said Van Gaal.

"He refused last year to play in the second team. There are a lot of other aspects in the philosophy of how you have to play like a goalkeeper at Manchester United.

"When you are not willing to apply the principles of that philosophy there is only one way, and that is out.

"For us this is a big disappointment. We thought he would follow our philosophy.

"It's a pity because we gave him the opportunity to rehabilitate himself. Then we gave him a contract. Then of course he is fit to play.

"When you're not playing in the first team, you have to play in the reserves."

 

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Sunderland sign Lens from Dynamo Kyiv

Sunderland have completed the signing of Jeremain Lens from Dynamo Kyiv.

Last month Goal revealed that the Black Cats were in talks to sign Lens, and on Tuesday confirmed that he was on the way to England to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms.

And now the 27-year-old, who can play up front or on either flank, has signed a four-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

“We have signed an international player and I am delighted to welcome him to Sunderland,” Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat told the club's official website.

“He is a very well-known player in Europe and has played over 30 games for the Dutch national side, which shows his calibre.

“I have worked with him twice already, at PSV and AZ, so I know him well; he is fast and he has scored goals everywhere he has played so that will help the team.”

 

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Southampton sign Clasie from Feyenoord

Southampton have completed the signing of Jordy Clasie from Feyenoord.

The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract with Ronald Koeman's side after a fee reported to be in the region of £8.4 million was agreed with the Dutch giants.

Clasie is widely expected to fill the midfield void left by the departure of Morgan Schneiderlin, who joined Manchester United in a £25m deal on Monday.

“It feels good to be joining Southampton,” Clasie told the club's official website. “It’s a nice club and I’m happy to be here.

“It’s a big club playing in what I think is the biggest and most important league.
“Ronald being here is a big thing for me and that was important in me coming here, but even if he wasn’t here, I’d have come to this club.

“I played every game for him. He’s a good trainer and a good man so I like him, but I came here not only for him. I came here for the club.“I’ve watched many games of Southampton, and it’s felt good when I’ve watched these games.

“I hope that I have many good moments and good years here.”

 

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Mancini never supported Shaqiri - Matthaus

Lothar Matthaus has criticised Inter coach Roberto Mancini for a lack of support for midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri.The Switzerland international has been heavily linked to a move away from the Serie A side despite only arriving from Bayern Munich in January.

Shaqiri started only eight of the 15 league games in which he featured in the second half of the campaign and Mancini has suggested he could be sold this summer.

Matthaus, though, believes the 23-year-old has been treated unfairly by the coach.
"If you don't get the trust of the coach, you cannot show anything," Matthaus told Blick. "It's like with any player. Mancini did not give any support to Shaqiri. He gave him no confidence.

"If you sign a player, you have to let him play. If the coach does not help you adapt to the team, then you will fail."Shaqiri could not show what he can do. With his quality he has to a regular at Inter, there's no question about that.

"I don't understand it. Mancini wanted him, then he does not favour him. If I were a director, I would ask the coach why exactly he did that."

The former Inter and Bayern player feels that the handling of Shaqiri has been symptomatic of the issues that are to blame for the Italian side's poor results in Serie A over the last two years."It fits the lack of concept in football in Milan. What's going on at Inter, for the last two years, is shameful."

And he believes it would be ideal if Schalke, who are said to be interested in signing Shaqiri, came in for him this summer, suggesting they could get rid of problematic midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng to accommodate him.

"Schalke's general manager Horst Heldt has made ​​some mistakes in the past. He shopped for big names instead of talent. Shaqiri has character. If he were to go from Inter to Schalke, it would be a win-win-win situation for all three parties.

"Maybe it would be enough to get to Boateng off the payroll to allow them to bring Shaqiri in. Boateng is a guy who is willing to sit in the stands all year just to collect his wages."