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Wolverine GTR

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    :(Van Gaal downbeat on De Gea saga: 'Maybe he wants to go'

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    Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says the David De Gea situation "is not favourable" for the club, and suggested the goalkeeper wants out of Old Trafford.

    Real Madrid have made De Gea their key transfer target this summer but have so far been unable to conclude negotiations, with United holding out for Sergio Ramos, at least, included in any deal.

    Goal understands De Gea wants to leave England and move to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, despite United's firm stance, and Van Gaal has admitted the saga is becoming a problem.

    "We have a situation that is not favourable for David De Gea, neither for us and neither for the club that, maybe, he wants to go," he told reporters after the Red Devils were beaten 2-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the International Champions Cup.

    Madrid have so far been unwilling to match United's valuation of De Gea, who has just one year left on his contract.

    It has been reported that the shot-stopper could leave for Spain on a free transfer next summer, but with Ramos - a major sticking point in negotiations to date - said to be close to a new deal, talks could run more smoothly ahead of the close of the window.

    De Gea played his first game of pre-season in the 3-1 victory against Barcelona on Saturday and followed that up with 45 minutes against PSG in Chicago on Wednesday night.

    Having rushed from his line during the first half at Soldier Field he was caught out by Blaise Matuidi, who nipped in to open the scoring, but could do nothing as Zlatan Ibrahimovic tapped home from close range.
     

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    Ramos or bust? Van Gaal must sign a centre-back after Man Utd's flaws are exploited by PSG

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    If Manchester United fans had been concerned by talk that Louis van Gaal has no back-up plan should Sergio Ramos stay with Real Madrid, the 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain will have done nothing to put them at ease.

    The next time United walk out onto the field, it will be to kick off the new Premier League season. But the loss in Chicago which brought down the curtain on their pre-season schedule leaves them with plenty of defensive issues to ponder over the nine days which precede the start of the 2015-16 campaign.

    Long before they conceded the two goals which handed the International Champions Cup to PSG, United had looked ragged and sloppy at the back. David De Gea, Phil Jones, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Matteo Darmian all gifted cheap possession to the French side, while there was little shape or organisation to be found when the Red Devils were without the ball.

    It came as no surprise that a defensive mix-up should lead to PSG’s opener, with Jones allowing Blaise Matuidi to get goal-side of him before poking home as De Gea hesitated and Luke Shaw couldn’t quite cover in time. Jones was again slow to react when Zlatan Ibrahimovic slotted home a second after powering through a gap and taking a return pass from Maxwell.

    The movement for both goals was extremely rudimentary and should not have resulted in nearly the amount of space the scorers were given, and that has to be a real concern. With only a four-game pre-season schedule, Louis van Gaal will have hoped that his players would be match sharp and up to the pace by now.

    While it would be easy to brush off the issues as pre-season growing pains, the truth is that the ills in their own half have been coming. In a summer during which they have strongly pursued Ramos but insisted he is their only centre-back target, United fans across the globe have been quick to identify the heart of their back four as a key area to strengthen.

    But almost as soon as rumours emerged that Ramos will soon sign a new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu, it was reported both in England and Spain that Van Gaal will not pursue other options. Interest in Nicolas Otamendi, it is said, does not exist. On this evidence, any such plans could prove costly.

    The inclusion of Daley Blind in the middle of defence has baffled some, but Van Gaal has insisted he wants a left-footed player on the left side and it is easy to see why. There are suggestions that Marcos Rojo is more likely to be used in that slot once he has completed a sufficient recovery period after his delayed summer break, yet doubts remain as to whether he is best suited to the position or if left-back is where he really belongs.

    Meanwhile on the right the performances of Jones have yet to inject any amount of confidence, with the exclusion of Chris Smalling coming as a great surprise following his impressive campaign last season. The ex-Fulham man has not started a single match during the US tour, suggesting there is little chance of him getting the nod over Jones for the Premier League opener against Tottenham on Saturday week.

    The bottom line is that there is a sense of authority lacking at the back, and while the lack of focus of De Gea certainly didn’t help matters at Soldier Field they need to find somebody to organise and take charge of the defensive half of the field. Most of Europe’s top sides have at least one born leader in the centre of their back line, and that is where United look short right now.

    The issues in their defence come in stark contrast to other areas of the field. While there can always be adjustments made, there is plenty to work with both in midfield and in attack. In each department Van Gaal has a number of options available to him both in terms of shape and personnel.

    If the Dutchman could only add a centre-back or two, then talk of a concerted challenge for the Premier League title would be far more justified than at present.
     

    Wolverine GTR

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    Friendly match 1kak unath PSG defeat 1kath 1kkama therena 1ka deyak thiyanawa.Thamath Manchester United sqaud 1ke gaps ona tharam thiyanawa:(

    LVG Specially defence 1ka gana baluwanam thamai hoda:sorry:Aniwa Worldclass CB's la 1kkenk or 2nnek onemai. & Striking nuth madi.Striker kenekuth ona wenawa:(
     

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    Wolfsburg rule out Gotze-De Bruyne exchange deal

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    Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs has dismissed suggestions Kevin De Bruyne could be on his way to Bayern Munich as part of a deal that would see Mario Gotze move in the opposite direction.

    The Belgium international, 24, is one of the most sought-after players around following a sublime 2014-15 campaign, in which he was voted Bundesliga Player of the Season.

    The 23-year-old Gotze, meanwhile, has been linked with a move away from Bayern after a second unimpressive term at the Allianz Arena.

    With De Bruyne the subject of interest from the Bundesliga champions, rumours that a player-exchange could be on the cards have circulated, though, Allofs has ruled out such a deal."Player exchange deals do not always make sense," Allofs was quoted as saying by Kicker.

    "Gotze has a lot of qualities, he has shown that at Borussia Dortmund and with Germany. He has yet to make an impact at Bayern."But we are not even considering swapping any one. I am satisfied with the situation as it is."

    De Bruyne has also caught the attention of clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, but Wolfsburg have no intention of letting go of the former Chelsea man unless a big-money offer comes in. He has a contract with the Bundesliga outfit until June 2019.
     

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    Besiktas complete Mario Gomez deal

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    Besiktas have confirmed that they have secured the services of Mario Gomez from Fiorentina on a one-year loan deal with an option to make the transfer permanent.

    The Istanbul giants had long been linked with a move for the 30-year-old and already announced on Wednesday that they had opened talks with Fiorentina.

    Negotiations have now reached a successful conclusion and the German attacker will continue his career in the Turkish top flight.

    "Besiktas announce that Thursday the club reached an agreement with Fiorentina for the loan of Mario Garcia Gomez," a statement on the club's website reads.

    "The contract includes an option to make the deal permanent."

    Gomez started his professional career with Stuttgart and also wore the Bayern Munich jersey before joining Fiorentina in the summer of 2013.

    He had since scored 14 goals in 47 appearances for the Serie A club - despite missed large chunks of his first season in Florence due to a knee problem.
     

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    Mihajlovic will guide Milan to success, says Benitez

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    Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez believes Sinisa Mihajlovic is the right man to steer AC Milan back to being a dominant force in Italian football.

    The San Siro club have experienced instability in terms of coaches recently, with no less than four people in the top job in 2014 alone - as the end of Massimiliano Allegri's reign was followed by short stints from Mauro Tassotti as a caretaker, plus Clarence Seedorf and Filippo Inzaghi.

    But Benitez has little doubt that under Mihajlovic, Milan are in safe hands to regain their powerhouse status in Serie A after a disappointing 10th-placed finish."It is a club I like a lot," the Madrid boss told reporters ahead of Madrid's clash with Milan in their pre-season tournament in Shanghai.

    "The managerial change means they are still very ambitious and they want to get better. "They have big players, and a big manager who had a great season last year with Sampdoria, and I am pretty sure they will be successful in the future."

    Milan have finished eighth and 10th respectively in their past two domestic campaigns, with their most recent trophy coming in the form of the Italian Supercoppa in 2011.
     

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    Messi makes early Barcelona return

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    Argentina internationals Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano have reported back early for pre-season duty with Barcelona.

    Messi and Mascherano were not due to return to Catalunya until Monday after participating at the Copa America in Chile earlier this summer, but both Argentines have now joined their team-mates four days early.

    Furthermore, Neymar and Dani Alves have also returned to Camp Nou after they were given extended holidays after taking part in the Copa, too.The four South Americans were accompanied by Marc-Andre ter Stegen for Thursday's medical examinations. The German goalkeeper, who played at the European Under-21 Championship, did go on the US Tour, but had yet to take the routine medical checks.

    The return of Messi, Mascherano, Neymar and Dani Alves means Luis Enrique now nearly has his full squad at his availability again.Chile international Claudio Bravo is still away on holiday and will be joining his team-mates on Monday.
     

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    Schmeichel urges De Gea to make decision over Manchester United future

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    Peter Schmeichel has urged David de Gea to make a decision over his Manchester United future before the start of the new Premier League season.

    The Spain international has been tipped to replace Iker Casillas at Real Madrid and Rafa Benitez’s side’s acquisition of Kiko Casilla has done little to dampen the speculation.

    Goal revealed at the beginning of July that United have given up hope of keeping the goalkeeper, who could leave the club for nothing when his contract expires next summer. This week, the Red Devils completed the signing of Sergio Romero, a move manager Louis van Gaal admits prepares the club for De Gea’s exit.

    United legend Schmeichel understands the attraction of a move to Madrid but implored De Gea to bring a close to the saga sooner rather than later.

    “I tell you what I’d urge him to do, I urge him to make a decision because either he goes or he stays,” Schmeichel told Goal at the filming of the new Carlsberg advert 'If Carlsberg Did Kickabouts'.

    “If he stays, we’re happy, if he goes, we have to move on. We cannot get dragged into the next month and the next month, we’ve got to deal with this situation now.

    “He has arguably been [the club's] best player in the last two years, so he’s an important part of Manchester United.

    “But if he wants to go back to Madrid - which I can understand and I wouldn’t blame him for doing that - then go back and let Manchester United move on.”

    Schmeichel is confident United will recover if De Gea does indeed leave for the Bernabeu despite the length of time it took them to find his successor when he departed for Sporting in 1999.

    United employed a number of goalkeepers in a bid to replace the treble winner before finally landing a reliable No.1 in Edwin van der Sar in 2005.

    Schmeichel explained: “Throughout the course of history, Manchester United’s history, big, big players have left at times when you think ‘well, why? They still have a lot to offer, why are they not still here?’

    "They could be leaving of their own accord, they could be leaving of the manager’s decision but my point is that the club always moves forward, it always moves on.

    “There’s always someone else you can bring in to take that position. And this is the one thing I have to say about this situation; it’s dragging on and I don’t like that.”
     

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    Ibrahimovic: My next club will be a big surprise

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    Zlatan Ibrahimovic claims his next club will be "a very big surprise" as he enters the final year of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

    The flamboyant Swede scored in the Ligue 1 champions' 2-0 pre-season win over Manchester United in Chicago on Thursday and has been linked with a move to MLS when his current deal in the French capital expires next summer.

    But while Ibrahimovic insists he is "very happy" at PSG, he believes no one will be able to predict the identity of his next club when the time comes.

    "Where I go next, it will be a surprise, a very big surprise," the PSG striker told reporters with a smile after the United victory.

    "I'm very happy at PSG. You don't see that on the field? I have another year on my contract with PSG and I am very happy.

    "Things are getting better. We are a strong team, we can do much more than we have been doing so at the moment but I am very happy."

    Victory over United - coupled with earlier wins over Benfica and Fiorentina - saw PSG lift the International Champions Cup, but Ibrahimovic has his sights set on grander prizes- starting with the Trophee des Champions against Lyon in Montreal on Saturday.

    "The (trophy) we won today is only for the preparation. This is nothing official," the striker insisted.

    "This is only to prepare our condition mentally and physically for the season.

    "We have been here 15 days, played all the friendly games and now we go over to the official game against Lyon, that is the Super Cup so if we can win that one we will win our first trophy for the year, so that would be very good."
     

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    Pirlo exit my biggest mistake, admits Galliani

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    AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has admitted that allowing Andrea Pirlo to leave the club for Juventus in the summer of 2011 was the biggest mistake of his career.
    The 36-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by then Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri and was eventually snapped up by Juventus on a free transfer.

    Pirlo proved Milan wrong by guiding Juventus to four consecutive Serie A titles, though, and Galliani has conceded he should have held on to the gifted playmaker.
    "Letting Pirlo go was my biggest mistake ever," Galliani was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport."It was an error I made, together with a number of other persons. But don't ask me who the others were."

    Galliani was close to luring Jackson Martinez to Milan earlier this summer, but he has no regrets that the Colombia international joined Atletico Madrid in the end, with the Rossoneri eventually signing Carlos Bacca from Sevilla instead."We were really close to signing him, but then he chose for Atletico instead."But we are happy with his decision now because that allowed us to bring in Carlos Bacca: a great player."

    The Milan supremo also had his say on the potential arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alessio Romagnoli from Paris Saint-Germain and Roma, respectively."Ibrahimovic has a contract with PSG until June 2016. That's all I can say about it at the moment.

    "With Romagnoli, it all depends on Roma. We have offered them €25 million. But if they don't want to sell, then we have to accept that."
     

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    Gundogan: I could stay at Borussia Dortmund for years to come

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    Ilkay Gundogan has suggested that his long-term future could very well lie at Borussia Dortmund.

    The Germany international appeared to be on his way out of BVB earlier this year when the club announced that he would not sign a new contract.However, Gundogan eventually had second thoughts and inked a one-year extension to his existing deal, which will now run out in June 2017.

    Many expect the 24-year-old to say farewell to Dortmund at the end of the 2015-16 campaign, with Manchester United said to be interested, but he has now made it clear another contract renewal is not out of the question."I am heading into my fifth year at Dortmund and I am feeling very well here," Gundogan told Sport Bild.

    "I can see myself staying at BVB for a longer period. We will have to wait and see how things develop."The presence of Thomas Tuchel could play a major role in Gundogan's decision to potentially sign a new deal as he has nothing but praise for the club's new head coach.

    "I have the feeling that he has already improved me as a player.
    "I like the way he speaks to the team and his training methods."
     

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    Napoli never considered selling Higuain - De Laurentiis

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    Aurelio De Laurentiis has insisted Napoli have never considered selling Gonzalo Higuain despite reports linking him with a move away this summer.Higuain has flourished at San Paolo since arriving from Real Madrid in 2013, scoring 53 goals in all competitions, leading to speculation that the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal want to sign him.

    But Napoli president De Laurentiis has dismissed such claims, insisting it will take a significant fee to convince the club to let him go. "I never, ever considered selling Higuain," he told Corriere della Sera.

    "It wasn't by chance that I put a very high clause in his contract, which makes him difficult to afford for any potential buyer."I expect that he's respectful of his commitment to Napoli and the work of the team."

    The 27-year-old Argentina international is tied to the Serie A side until June 2018.
     

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    Ramos is Real Madrid's perfect captain, says Carvajal

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    Dani Carvajal believes Sergio Ramos has all the right attributes to replace Iker Casillas as Real Madrid captain.

    The veteran goalkeeper left Madrid for Porto earlier this month and as the longest-serving Madrid player left, Ramos is expected to take over the captaincy."Our captain is Sergio and I’m sure he will do well," Carvajal told AS."He’s won a lot of things in the game and has had many years at the club to try out that role. I’m sure he’ll do well in the position."

    Ramos, 29, was heavily linked with Manchester United earlier this summer, but now seems set to sign a new contract with Madrid until 2020.Carvajal is not surprised to see his compatriot stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, though, and cannot imagine him ever wearing another team's jersey again.

    "I only know that today he is a Madrid player and he is focused on us and on our team in the coming games. I do not see him in another shirt other than ours."
    The World Cup winning defender has been at Madrid since 2005.
     

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    Rodgers keen not to rush Ibe's development at Liverpool

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    Brendan Rodgers says Jordon Ibe will be given time to hone his skills as he looks to become a Liverpool star.

    The departure of Raheem Sterling has opened the door for the 19-year-old to become a regular starter under Rodgers and he has impressed in pre-season, notably a stunning strike against Malaysia XI.

    But the Liverpool manager is keen to make sure the youngster is not burdened with too much expectation.

    "It's year-on-year improvement," Rodgers told the club's official website. "We mustn't forget he's still only 19.

    "He broke into the team young and had some appearances. We felt he needed a loan, has gone out and did really well.

    "Then when he came back last season he was exceptional in his performances. I think he really excites the supporters.

    "He's definitely a player that we want to really create into a top-class performer, but we've got to give him that time and we're creating the environment for him to do that.

    "You see how exciting he is, but he still has a lot of potential and work to do. He's one that certainly will feature heavily this year."
     

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    AC Milan broke promises, says Cerci

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    Alessio Cerci feels he was treated unfairly at AC Milan after joining the club from Atletico Madrid on an 18-month loan deal in the January transfer window.

    The 28-year-old was desperate to leave Atletico after struggling to adapt to life at the Vicente Calderon and had a number of options, including Milan and city rivals Inter.

    He eventually opted to join the Rossoneri as they guaranteed him regular first-team action, only to end up on the bench under head coach Filippo Inzaghi, and Cerci has now criticised them for breaking their promises.

    "I made the mistake to trust people. Several clubs wanted me, including Inter, but I eventually picked Milan because they gave me the guarantee that I would play all games," Cerci told Tuttosport."This was never the case in the end. I never played more than two games in a row. There was no rotation and I was substituted more than any one else. They were not clear to me.

    "I had not been playing much for three to four months and it was obvious that I needed game time and faith. I never got that."Despite his frustrations, Cerci is determined to win over his doubters and make an impact in 2015-16.

    "I know that there is stiff competition for places, but I am second to none if I train well. I can challenge any attacker."I feel the confidence of the club now and I am enjoying a fine pre-season. I have great desire and determination."
     

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    Real Madrid 0-0 AC Milan (10-9 pens): Donnaruma misses decisive spot-kick

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    Real Madrid have won the International Champions Cup after defeating AC Milan 10-9 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in Shanghai on Wednesday.

    Madrid thrashed Manchester City 4-1 to win the International Champions Cup Australia last week and lifted the China version of the tournament on Thursday to end their pre-season tour unbeaten.

    There was no separating the two sides in 90 minutes, with the impressive Kiko Casilla twice denying Milan new boy Carlos Bacca - who came on at half-time - in the second half with fine saves.

    It was left to spot-kicks to decide the winner of the trophy and it was Real who came out on top, with Bacca and 16-year-old Antonio Donnarumma failing to hold their nerve.

    Donnarumma had denied Toni Kroos to extend the shootout, but he went from hero to villain and both sides will now head to Munich to take part in the Audi Cup next week.

    Rafael Benitez included Luka Modric and Karim Benzema in his starting line-up after the duo missed Monday's 3-0 victory over Inter due to niggles, while Sergio Ramos - reportedly set to sign a new contract - dropped to the bench.

    But Real lacked the attacking threat they posed in impressive wins against City and Inter and they were almost caught out by the pace of Milan striker M'Baye Niang five minutes before half-time.

    The young French striker opted to go it alone when he lacked support and burst past two defenders before clattering into Keylor Navas after taking a heavy touch, which cost him the chance to get a shot away.

    Benitez and Sinisa Mihajlovic made several changes at half-time, with Bacca and Luiz Adriano among the Milan players to enter the fray, while Ramos and Kroos were also brought on.

    Kroos had a chance to open the scoring soon after, but his shot from the edge of the area deflected wide after good work from fellow substitute Jese Rodriguez.

    Madrid looked far more dangerous after a poor first-half display and Diego Lopez - facing his former club - kept out Cristiano Ronaldo's downward header after some lovely trickery and a precise cross from Isco.

    Bacca almost opened his Milan account in spectacular fashion with a thunderous strike that was destined for the back of the net until Casilla denied him with an outstanding reflex save on the hour-mark.

    Casilla thwarted the Colombia striker again when he surged into the penalty area and unleashed a well struck shot 10 minutes from time.

    Bacca failed to find the back of the net once again in a shootout, but Kroos missed the chance to secure victory when Donnarumma kept out his spot-kick.

    The young keeper was unable to find the back of the net himself, though, as Casilla's save ensured Madrid lifted another trophy.
     

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    Terry: Rival fans would love me in their team

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    Chelsea defender John Terry insists fans of rival clubs would "love" to have him in their team, and says that while he uses criticism to his advantage he does not want to be hated when the time comes to retire.

    At 34 years old Terry was one of the most important members of Chelsea's Premier League-winning squad last season, playing every minute as he secured his fourth top-flight title of an illustrious career.

    But he has often courted controversy and in 2012 was found guilty by the Football Association of racially abusing then Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand, which landed him a four-match ban and ended his international career with England.

    And while Terry acknowledges the hostile reception he gets around the world, he says fans would appreciate his commitment if he were playing in their colours.

    "I'm sure that if I was in their team they would love me in their team because I am one of those players who gives everything to the cause," he said while appearing on the Men In Blazers podcast.

    "Unfortunately the stick comes with it but I am very much used to that now. I do get a lot of stick, not only in the UK but everywhere we go really.

    "But I thrive on that and try and use it in a positive way but I certainly don't try and block it out.

    "I use it to my advantage because nine times out of 10 if I can stay focused and keep the team focused we are going to come out as winners.

    "And when you walk off the pitch having done your job and having done it the right way and go off with three points there is not much more to say."

    But while he has become accustomed to the jeers and whistles, the defender wants to be remembered for his footballing achievements when he eventually hangs up his boots.

    "You hope that when you hang up your boots, you don't want to be hated," he added, "you just want to be thought of as a very good footballer and someone who gave everything for their club."
     

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    Madrid showing gives AC Milan belief - Mihajlovic

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    AC Milan boss Sinisa Mihajlovic believes his side will have renewed belief after their display against Real Madrid.

    The Rossoneri followed their 1-0 win over Inter with a 0-0 draw against Madrid in the International Champions Cup final in Shanghai, with Rafael Benitez's side ultimately prevailing 10-9 on penalties.

    While he accepts that improvements must still be made, Mihajlovic says their performance against the Blancos will give the team plenty of confidence."After these two matches [Madrid and Inter], we've reached our objective," he told a press conference.

    "We competed on level terms with Real Madrid and dominated the match for large spells."The two games that we played here give us belief and underline what we've been doing. We have always trained well and with the highest commitment.

    "We can't get our mental approach wrong. Our style of play in attack and defence has to be carried out as we have planned."We have to stay an organised team, one that plays to win, and the performance was excellent.

    "We can and we must improve a lot more, by working hard and keeping our feet on the ground."Mihajlovic was also keen to praise the local support and says he would gladly bring Milan back to China.

    "The chants from the fans really pleased me. Let's hope we've managed to get even more fans here. If another tour is organised in China, we will gladly come back," he added.

    "I would like to say goodbye to all the Milan fans in China - and there are many of them. You are a wonderful people and we'd be happy to come back next year."
     

    Wolverine GTR

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  • Jan 1, 2009
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    Benitez open to further Real Madrid signings - but stays silent on De Gea

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    Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez refused to be drawn on David de Gea's future but admits he will welcome further signings this summer.

    Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has claimed this week that speculation over the goalkeeper's possible move to Madrid is not doing any favours to either club, though he accepted the Spain international may well be keen on a transfer.

    Benitez, however, told reporters on Thursday that De Gea's future "is a question for Van Gaal and De Gea" before adding that he is happy with the three goalkeepers currently at his disposal.

    Speaking after his side's penalty shootout win over AC Milan, he said: "I had a great keeper in the first half [Keylor Navas], a very good keeper in the second [Kiko Casilla], and another very good one waiting... on the bench [Pacheco]."

    The former Napoli and Liverpool boss would not rule out further additions this summer, however.

    "It's a good squad, we have to work with them. If someone else arrives, he will be welcome, but they have to be better than what we have," he said."The conversations I have with [director] Jose Angel Sanchez and the president are between us."

    Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw by Milan before they triumphed 10-9 on penalties to win the International Champions Cup and Benitez accepts they found the first half difficult.

    "We faced a team like Milan who haven't travelled and have been here for six days, and of course they had good rythym and pressed well. It wasn't easy.

    "In the second half they slowed down and it was easier to keep the ball."Gareth Bale was once more deployed in a central role behind Karim Benzema and Benitez admits he offers a different kind of threat away from the wing.

    "Bale's done pretty well, he works hard and plays in a role whereby he's involved more or less depending on how the team plays. He's a player who attacks the space and moves between lines."

    Luka Modric, meanwhile, was keen to praise the local supporters for their backing during Madrid's successful tour of China."We've enjoyed it a lot, we've had six beautiful days in China and we're happy to head back with the title," said the Croatian.

    "We thank the Chinese fans for their support and we hope to come back soon."
     
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