..::Football III::..

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Official: Atletico Madrid sign Jackson Martinez

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Jackson Martinez from Porto.
The Portuguese side had already confirmed that the player would depart to join Diego Simeone's team, but it has now been confirmed that he will sign a four-year contract in the Spanish capital.After selling Mario Mandzukic to Juventus, Atletico have paid the €35 million release clause to bring the 28-year-old to the Spanish capital.

The Colombia international enjoyed three bright seasons at the Portuguese side, scoring 32 goals in 42 games in all competitions last season.

"We are very pleased with the agreement, because Jackson Martinez is an extraordinary striker, able to rapidly solve any attacking play inside the box," sporting director Jose Luis Caminero said.

"Thanks to his size, he heads very well and interchangeably uses either foot to shoot. I am sure that he will greatly increase the potential of our team and will bring plenty to the group.

"We are delighted with his signing because he is a football player used to compete at a top level in Porto and has shone brightly in important competitions such as the Champions League."

Martinez is the latest addition to Simeone's team, following Luciano Vietto and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco in joining the Vicente Calderon outfit.

 

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Real Madrid must defend better - Benitez

Rafael Benitez says he wants Real Madrid to be better defensively than they have been in recent years.

The Spanish coach is looking to bring silverware back to the Santiago Bernabeu this term after they missed out on La Liga, the Champions League and Copa del Rey to Barcelona in 2014-15.

And while Benitez is happy with how proficient Madrid have been over the past few seasons, he feels they need to be stronger defensively."I want us to be a team that go out to win every game," he told the club's official website.

"A team that take the initiative, are assertive, that attack as well as in recent years and that defend a little bit better, to achieve that balance that will enable us to win more games and have a greater chance of winning trophies."

Madrid are currently in Australia to continue their pre-season preparations and the former Liverpool boss is looking forward to improving his relationship with his players during their time there.

"We want to get to know the players and for the players to get to know us, and to try to bring Real Madrid an idea of play that's in line with who Real Madrid are.
"This time together really helps in that regard."

 

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Herrera shows off his goalkeeper skills in Manchester United training

Who needs David De Gea or Victor Valdes? Apparently not Manchester United, as it seems they can rely on Ander Herrera between the sticks.

The midfielder decided to show what he is capable of in goal during a shooting drill on Wednesday and he pulled off three impressive saves as manager Louis van Gaal and Ryan Giggs watched on.

Goal understands that Manchester United are resigned to losing De Gea to Real Madrid this summer, while Victor Valdes’ agent is in talks with Valencia over a season-long loan move.

Valdes was also left out of United's pre-season tour squad which has travelled to the United States. Van Gaal's men face Club America in Seattle in the early hours of Saturday morning.

 

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Herrera gen Pattama saves 3nak​

 

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How Van Gaal told Van Persie he was leaving

Robin van Persie was told in May that he could leave Manchester United, according to Louis van Gaal.

The 31-year-old has joined Fenerbahce for a fee in the region of €6.6 million and has signed a three-year contract worth around €5.2m per year.

Van Gaal claims Van Persie was informed about the decision at the club’s golf day on May 20 and insists he has contacted the striker since his move to Turkey.

“I have said in a conversation with him and we have to keep it like that. He knows that already from the day we have played golf,” said the United manager.

“After we played golf we talked abut the perspective for him at Manchester United.”

Van Gaal, though, admits that he found it difficult to dispense with Van Persie's services, and says that he has wished him well following his transfer.

“Every decision is difficult," he added. "I go to watch Fenerbahce because of Dirk Kuyt and I am always received in a very warm way and I think he shall like to be in that warm companionship in the club.

“I wish him all the best and I have also texted that to him.”

 

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Savic open to Milan move - agent

Stefan Savic's agent - Zarko Pelicic - has admitted that the Fiorentina defender would be open to a move to AC Milan.The 24-year-old has emerged as a transfer target for some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Liga outfit Atletico Madrid also in the frame for his signature as coach Diego Simeone bids to replace Miranda.

But the centre-back seems to have set his sights on a transfer to San Siro, though his representative refused to rule out a move elsewhere."Stefan would like to join Milan, as he would any of Europe's top clubs, but a transfer does not depend only on him," Pelicic told Milannews.it.
"We'll see what happens in future."

Savic, who left Manchester City for Florence in 2012, made 29 appearances last season as Fiorentina finished fourth in Serie A and qualified for the Europa League.

The defender has a contract with his current club until the summer of 2019.

 

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Casillas jumped at Porto chance - Lopetegui

Porto coach Julen Lopetegui says Iker Casillas jumped at the chance to leave Real Madrid.

The 34-year-old initially seemed reluctant to depart the Spanish capital, but eventually ended his 25-year association with the Santiago Bernabeu side by signing a two-year contract with Porto on Saturday.

Lopetegui, however, has insisted Casillas was determined to make the move to the 27-time Primeira Liga champions.

"He wanted to [come] and we wanted to [have him]. He was so excited to come here," Lopetegui was quoted as saying by AS following Porto's 5-1 friendly win over Fortuna Sittard on Wednesday.

"Both Iker and Porto have made a huge effort to bring him here, something which shows the stature of the club. It's good for Porto and good for Iker.
"He told me he liked how we played, that he'd be very comfortable here and I told him about the club. He didn't think about it for a second."

 

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Douglas Costa: I want to emulate Ribery

Bayern Munich attacker Douglas Costa is keen to learn from Franck Ribery and aims to follow in the Frenchman's footsteps at the Allianz Arena.

The Brazil international left Shakhtar Donetsk for the Bundesliga champions earlier this transfer window in a deal worth €30 million and says he is determined to make a big impact at his new club.

"Franck is an example to follow for me," the Brazilian was quoted as saying by TZ.

"I can learn a lot from a player like Franck. I have to stay grounded and work hard to improve myself."Only then might I one day be able to play like him."

The 24-year-old then went on to voice his satisfaction with head coach Pep Guardiola's support.

"Guardiola has a lot of faith in me. He has told me to keep doing the same things I have always been doing."

Douglas Costa has signed a contract with Bayern until the summer of 2020.

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo no match for Messi, says Nadal

Former Barcelona defender Miguel Angel Nadal believes Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo is nowhere near the same level as Lionel Messi.

The Argentine forward played a key role in Barcelona's successful 2014-15 campaign as he guided them to the treble with a string of sublime performances.

Although Ronaldo beat Messi to the Liga top goalscorer award, Nadal feels Messi stands alone as the game's greatest."Barcelona have a great team with one special player, Messi. He is able to unlock a game from out of nowhere," Nadal told Goal.

"Cristiano Ronaldo has been putting in spectacular performances, but there really is no comparison with Messi."He is on another level than all the other players. He is the undisputed best. No player has the ability to do what he does."

The former Spain international then went on to stress that Madrid will be Barcelona's main rival for silverware in 2015-16, although he has questioned the Santiago Bernabeu side's strength in depth."Madrid and Barcelona are always challenging for any trophy. Real have a great squad, plus they have Ronaldo.

"They started last season very strong, but injuries hurt them in the end. A great team like Madrid should have more strength in depth."When someone like Luka Modric gets injured, you should have an adequate replacement."

 

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Wenger hints at ANOTHER new role for Wilshere

Arsene Wenger has hinted that Jack Wilshere could play in a wide position for Arsenal this season to accommodate the club’s attacking players.

Wilshere spent five months on the sidelines in 2014-15 but finished the season impresseively, scoring from the penalty spot in Arsenal's a 4-0 win over a Singapore Selection in the Asia Trophy on Wednesday.

The England international, who is seeking talks with his manager over his future, has played in a variety of positions for both club and country and Wenger suggests he may well return to the wide role in which he struggled during the 2013-14 season.

“For me, Jack can play in all the offensive 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,” he told reporters.

“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.”

Wherever he is deployed, Wenger admits that Wilshere needs to play regularly if he is to maintain his form.

“To be efficient, they need that. There are high demands physically to be perfect. Jack is getting close,” he added.

“Like Alex [Oxlade-Chamberlain], 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.

"After that, we will play so many games [Arsenal have qualified directly for the Champions League's group stage]. We have a big squad but not a massive one. The opportunities will be there for everyone.”

 

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Robben out of Bayern's China trip

Bayern Munich will have to make do without the services of Arjen Robben on their pre-season tour to China as the Dutchman has been forced to pull out through injury.

The 31-year-old had initially been part of the group to travel to Asia, but will now remain home as a precautionary measure due to muscular problems.
Robben missed the majority of the second half of the 2014-15 campaign due to injury and Bayern have no intention of taking any risks with their star attacker ahead of the new season.Franck Ribery, Holger Badstuber, Dante and Jan Kirchhoff have also all been left behind due to their own fitness issues.

Bayern will be touching down in Peking, Shanghai and Guangzhou during their eight-day tour, with the Bavarians set to depart on Thursday.The reigning Bundesliga champions take on Valencia on Saturday, then meet Inter on Tuesday, before taking on Guangzhou Evergrande in their final game on July 23.

 

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Sterling owes Liverpool everything, claims Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers says Raheem Sterling owes Liverpool everything after sealing his £49 million move to Manchester City.

The England international completed his switch to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, bringing an end to his five-year stay at Anfield.

Sterling joined Liverpool from QPR as a 15-year-old in 2010 and subsequently became a key player at Anfield, making over 120 senior appearances prior to his transfer, which made him the most expensive English player in history.

Rodgers previously played down a rift between himself and Sterling, and maintains that the pair have a good relationship, while he says that the club can take pride in the way Sterling developed on Merseyside.

"We can all hold our head up high at Liverpool knowing we put everything into his development. But he decided to move on,” he told reporters.

"Raheem and I were texting yesterday. Everything with him is fine."

Liverpool defeated the Thai All-Stars 4-0 on Tuesday, and face Brisbane Roar on Friday.

 

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'Vital' James McCarthy not for sale, insists Martinez

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has insisted that James McCarthy is not for sale, despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

As reported by Goal, Manchester City have turned their attentions to McCarthy after missing out on Aston Villa's Fabian Delph, but face competition from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur for the Republic of Ireland international.

However, Martinez has responded to the rumours by explaining that the midfielder is a "vital part" of his team and will not be departing Goodison Park.

"He’s not for sale," the Everton boss said. "My responsibility is to bring competition into the squad and we have strong competition for places. We don’t want to lose that.

"We’re not in a position where we have to sell to balance the books and want to create a winning team.

"James McCarthy is a top performer. He has shown that over recent years. We know what he brings with young legs and good energy."

McCarthy made 37 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees last season.

 

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Casilla can't turn down Real, says Gonzalez

Espanyol coach Sergio Gonzalez accepts that goalkeeper Kiko Casilla cannot turn down the opportunity to join Liga giants Real Madrid.

Casilla is Madrid's radar following the departure of long-serving Iker Casillas, who completed his transfer to Porto on Saturday, while Manchester United are showing no signs of letting top target David de Gea depart Old Trafford.

Madrid have already had an offer rejected by Espanyol, but Gonzalez has acknowledged Casilla will find it hard to refuse the chance to move as the capital club prepare a new bid."There are offers that you have to weigh up, but when you have an offer of that level, it's clear that you want to go there," Gonzalez told reporters."You have to take it with your eyes closed."

Gonzalez went on to stress the 28-year-old behaves like a professional, whom regardless of the media frenzy has continued to train as per normal.
"He is training with desire, as if nothing has happened, very attentive with his team-mates."He does not want to force the situation. Espanyol are very lucky to have Casilla."

Casilla, who spent his early years as a youth player in Madrid's reserve sides, has called Espanyol home since 2008.

 

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Manchester City target De Bruyne should stay at Wolfsburg - Dzeko

Eden Dzeko believes that Manchester City target Kevin De Bruyne could benefit from another season at Wolfsburg.

The Belgium international helped the Bundesliga side to a second-placed finish in 2014-15, along with a DFP-Pokal win, scoring 10 goals in 34 appearances, and his form has attracted interest from the Premier League giants.

Goal understands that City are waiting on the outcome of De Bruyne's contract talks with Wolfsburg before launching a bid, but Dzeko, who made the switch from Wolfsburg to the Etihad Stadium in 2011, says that De Bruyne may be best served by remaining in Germany.

"Top players like Kevin De Bruyne won't stay at Wolfsburg forever," Dzeko told Kicker.

"Everybody dreams of one day playing for a leading international club. It was the same with me after we won the league in 2009 -- I had the desire to do something different."

He added: "Kevin has an advantage. Through his time at Chelsea he knows the Premier League and knows that it's completely different.

"A lot of players who excelled in other leagues have had problems here - take Angel Di Maria.

"I'm certain that [Kevin] has what it takes to play for one of the top clubs in Europe but he's also aware that at these clubs there are 20 top players who always want to be on the pitch.

"Maybe it would also help him if he plays in the Champions League with Wolfsburg this season and takes another step in his development there."

 

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Bayern agree Vidal fee with Juventus

Bayern Munich have agreed a fee with Juventus for midfielder Arturo Vidal.

The Chile international is expected to wrap up a move to the Bundesliga champions for €40 million plus add-ons after his agent Fernando Felicevich met with the club to discuss terms on a four-year deal.

Pep Guardiola has been integral in the Bavarians' pursuit of the 28-year-old, who was heavily linked with moves to Real Madrid and Arsenal over the summer.

Though a key member of Juve's renaissance in the past four Serie A-winning years, the feeling within the club is that he is replaceable.

Vidal's contract is due to expire in the summer of 2017 - giving rise to fears that they would receive a much lower fee in a year's time.

With the fee agreed, Goal understands Vidal's move to Bayern could be completed on Thursday evening.

 

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Respect? Valdes hits back at Van Gaal

Victor Valdes has hit back at Louis van Gaal, claiming the Manchester United manager lacks respect.

Van Gaal criticised Valdes in a press conference in Seattle, explaining his reasons for excluding the former Barcelona No.1 from the tour party.

Yet the Spaniard has fired back at his boss on Twitter, posting a picture of the Under-21 fixtures he played a part in, along with an image of himself and his reserve team-mates.

The Dutchman said on Wednesday: “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 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."

Valdes signed an 18-month contract in January but is in talks with Valencia over a possible loan move.

 

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Van Gaal Vs Valdes​

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Mona welada mandaVan Gaal Barcelona inna kaleth Valdes 1kka mehema deyak wela thiyanawa​

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Van Gaal ge samahara decisions tough wadi​

 

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Zola: I want Messi at Al Arabi

New Al Arabi coach Gianfranco Zola has admitted that luring Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi away from Camp Nou would be his ultimate dream, but added that improving the quality of local players will be his main objective.

A number of high-profile names have found their way to Qatar and UAE in recent years, including Xavi, Pep Guardiola, Frank de Boer and Gabriel Batistuta, and Zola hopes his side's owners can land him a player of Messi's calibre, although he has acknowledged such a task will not be easy.

"If the club is willing to buy Lionel Messi for me, that’ll be my first requirement. I’ll then be the happiest man on earth,” the former Italy international told Doha Stadium Plus.

"But, for me, the real challenge is to improve the quality of local players. It’s key to our ability to win major titles in the long run."Foreign players can only help to a certain extent. My staff is experienced at developing raw talent. We can really make a difference."

Zola recently joined Al Arabi after previous spells in charge of West Ham, Watford and Cagliari.

 

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Liverpool poised to make £32.5m Benteke bid

Liverpool are set to meet Christian Benteke’s £32.5 million release clause in the coming days, Goal understands.

The Reds have embarked on a major recruitment drive this summer but are seeking further reinforcements to their forward line, despite already signing Danny Ings from Burnley and welcoming Divock Origi into the fold following his loan spell at Lille.

Benteke has subsequently emerged as the Reds’ key target and, fresh from selling Raheem Sterling to Manchester City for £49m, Liverpool are set to table an offer that will trigger his buy-out clause.

Benteke will then be permitted to hold talks with the Reds ahead of a move, and securing the Belgian’s signature would represent something of a coup given rival interest in the 24-year-old.

Liverpool are set to meet Christian Benteke’s £32.5 million release clause in the coming days, Goal understands.

The Reds have embarked on a major recruitment drive this summer but are seeking further reinforcements to their forward line, despite already signing Danny Ings from Burnley and welcoming Divock Origi into the fold following his loan spell at Lille.

Benteke has subsequently emerged as the Reds’ key target and, fresh from selling Raheem Sterling to Manchester City for £49m, Liverpool are set to table an offer that will trigger his buy-out clause.

Benteke will then be permitted to hold talks with the Reds ahead of a move, and securing the Belgian’s signature would represent something of a coup given rival interest in the 24-year-old.

Goal first revealed Brendan Rodgers' interest in April, while Chelsea had considered bidding before snapping up Radamel Falcao and, more recently, Manchester United were reported to have entered the race for his signature.

Instead it appears that Brendan Rodgers’ side are set to strengthen their ranks with the acquisition of the Aston Villa star, despite Tim Sherwood’s desire to retain his services.

"I think he stays," the Aston Villa boss, who could now move for Emmanuel Adebayor as Benteke's replacement, said on Tuesday. "I think Liverpool – I looked the other day – have six or seven strikers at the club.
"Now I'm not sure how many they actually need. We know Christian is a very good player and we want to keep hold of him.”

Benteke scored 16 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions last season, overcoming injury to hit top form under Sherwood in the second half of a campaign which culminated in an FA Cup final appearance at Wembley, having overcome Liverpool in the semi-final.