..::Football III::..

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Mourinho throws away Community Shield medal

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho threw away his Community Shield medal after his side's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Wembley.

A single goal by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was enough to give the Gunners victory with the Blues boss throwing his medal into the crowd before walking down the Wembley tunnel with Bobby Gill, aged 10, catching it.

The defeat is the first time Arsene Wenger has beaten the Portuguese and speaking after the game, Mourinho explained his actions.

"It's the medal for the loser... it's a good memory for him," Mourinho told BT Sport.

"Chelsea was the best team, had the more initiative, had good control, good ball possession.

But you know it is that moment of the season where everyone is behind - the energy, the intensity to turn results is more difficult because people is not sharp, and don't have intensity.

"Arsenal defended with a very low block, they defended with 10 men they put everybody in front of their line with very good organisation so... congratulations."

 

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Arsenal overcame 'Chelsea complex' - Wenger

Arsene Wenger spoke of his relief after Arsenal defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley to seal victory in the Community Shield.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s 24th-minute strike proved decisive as last season’s FA Cup winners secured 2015-16’s first silverware and a psychological blow over the defending Premier League champions.

Neither side hit top form ahead of the new season but Arsenal’s solid showing and Wenger’s first win over rival manager Jose Mourinho in 14 games will give their supporters confidence of a sustained title challenge.

“Physically we suffered and the pitch was not great,” Wenger told BT Sport after the match. “We went 1-0 up and perhaps we did a little too much to protect our lead - but we absolutely wanted to win.

“When we got out of our defence we looked dangerous to score but we played a little too much in our half. We played with the handbrake on at times - maybe we had a little Chelsea complex.”

A clean sheet for Petr Cech on his Arsenal debut was a boost for Wenger, who pointed to the defensive progress his side continue to make, while he suggested Theo Walcott would be in line for further opportunities in a central role after he was preferred to Olivier Giroud in attack on Sunday.

“In the second half of the season last year we conceded 13 goals in 19 games so we had already improved our defensive record, hopefully we can do it again," he added.

“Pre-season has gone quite well, we are continuing from where we were last season. No big injuries too, except Wilshere who we lost to injury last season and Alexis is back tomorrow [Monday] so that is good.“Walcott? I want to use him there as well [up front and behind the striker] - it depends on the opposition.”

Defender Per Mertesacker felt the victory over their title rivals shows the quality of squad that is set to start the season at the Emirates Stadium.“It's another win – we have had a decent pre-season so far,” said the German. “It is a little title for us that keeps our confidence high, so it's great for us," he said.

“It's still pre-season - it's a little beginner [trophy], let's say it like that. Everyone dug in, absolutely. Cech has so much experience and gives us a huge boost for the season.

“Title contenders? We will try our best and when Alexis is back we will have a great squad.”

 

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Mourinho: Chelsea were the better team

Jose Mourinho believes Chelsea were the better team in Sunday’s Community Shield despite Arsenal’s 1-0 victory at Wembley Stadium.

Arsene Wenger’s side secured the new season’s first piece of silverware as the Frenchman finally ended a 14-game winless streak against his managerial rival.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s left-footed strike in the first half decided the match, but Mourinho is adamant that Chelsea produced the better performance on the day and suggested Arsenal’s success was down to a defensive strategy.

“Chelsea was the best team, had the more initiative, had good control, good ball possession,” the manager told BT Sport.

“We had a couple of chances - they had a couple through counter-attacks, but we had a couple through organised football.

“We had more initiative, more of the ball, but they played their game tactically. They found themselves 1-0 in front without any reason, they put a lot of players in the back so well done to them.

“But it is that moment of the season where everyone is behind - the energy, the intensity to turn results is more difficult because people are not sharp and don't have intensity.

“Arsenal defended with a very low block, they defended with 10 men and put everybody in front of their line with very good organisation so... congratulations.”

The Premier League champions’ defeat will whet the appetite ahead of the 2015-16 league campaign and the Portuguese tactician acknowledged that a successful title defence would be a tough ask.

“I see the Premier League title as very difficult - for everyone,” said Mourinho. “The way other teams are spending and other teams are buying they have big power in their hands. We are the same team as last season and with that we are going to try.”

 

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Mancini: Inter want Melo and could sell Nagatomo

Roberto Mancini has admitted that Inter are interested in signing Felipe Melo from Galatasaray.

The Nerazzurri are continuing to bolster their squad ahead of the new season as they look to improve on last season's eighth-placed finish and have been heavily linked to Melo.And Mancini believes the former Juventus player would add a lot to his side's midfield, but admits it could be tough to convince the Turkish side to let him go.

“Melo could add something to Inter," the coach told TRT Spor. "But right now he has a contract with Galatasaray, so we will have to wait and see."

Mancini also touched on the futures of Gary Medel and Nagatomo, insisting that the former will stay, though the Japan international could be heading for the San Siro exit.

“We are not going to sell Medel. We have to sell some players because we are only allowed 25 in the squad, but Medel is not going.“However, we could sell Yuto Nagatomo.”

 

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Galatasary 1-0 Inter: Sneijder sinks former club

Wesley Sneijder struck the only goal of the game to earn Galatasaray a 1-0 friendly win over his old club Inter on Sunday.

The Netherlands international spent four years at the Serie A club between 2009 and 2013, winning the treble of league, Coppa Italia and Champions League under Jose Mourinho in 2010.And it was Sneijder's effort that ensured Inter coach Roberto Mancini endured a losing return to Gala, whom he managed during the 2013-14 campaign.

Sneijder was set up by Lukas Podolski - who spent the second half of last season on loan at Inter - as the visitors fell to their fourth successive pre-season defeat, all without scoring.

Stevan Jovetic, fresh from completing a move from Manchester City, made his Inter debut as a second-half substitute, but the Montenegro international was unable to conjure up a response for his new employers.Inter still have three weeks until their Serie A campaign gets under way, while Gala's season begins in earnest next weekend, when they face Bursaspor in the Turkish Super Cup.

The home side ought to have gone ahead in the fifth minute but Podolski fired into the legs of Samir Handanovic from eight yards.

Gala thought they had made the breakthrough shortly afterwards when Handanovic spilled Selcuk Inan's long-range effort and Burak Yilmaz converted the rebound, only for the officials to rule the striker had used a hand in bundling the ball home.
At the other end, Mauro Icardi shot weakly at Fernando Muslera when clean through as the open nature of the contest continued.Nine minutes into the second half, Gala edged ahead as two former Inter men combined.

Podolski got away from Inter debutant Miranda down the left and cut the ball back for Sneijder , who had time and space to take a touch and fire low past Handanovic at his near post.The hosts went agonisingly close to a second on the hour when substitute Sinan Gumus fired narrowly wide of the left-hand upright.

A scramble in the Gala box caused panic wth four minutes remaining, but Martin Montoya's snatched effort was straight at Muslera and Inter's last chance to salvage a draw was wasted.

 

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In Pictures: Rooney returns to Everton for Ferguson testimonial

Wayne Rooney pulled on an Everton shirt for the first time in nearly 11 years as Villarreal ran out 2-1 winners in Duncan Ferguson's testimonial.

Rooney's reception included boos and cheers from the home crowd - some seemingly still unhappy at the manner of his exit to Manchester United in 2004 - while Ferguson was treated to a rapturous welcome.

The pair played together during Rooney's first-team debut in 2002, but reunited the duo failed to haul Everton back after Gerard and Matias Nahuel put the Spanish side in control.

Tyias Browning handed Everton hope, but Roberto Martinez's side failed to give their former striking hero a win ahead of the side's Premier League opener against Watford on Saturday.

Ross Barkley was among those introduced at the break, but Everton continued to lack a cutting edge. Steven Naismith went close twice before Chelsea target John Stones appeared to pick up a knock.

Rooney came on for the final 16 minutes to a mixed reception from the Goodison Park crowd and smashed a shot wide prior to Ferguson's introduction.

 

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Wenger snubbed me with post-match handshake, insists Mourinho

Jose Mourinho claims Arsene Wenger deliberately avoided shaking his hand after Arsenal's Community Shield victory against Chelsea.

A stunning first-half Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain strike gave Wenger his first victory over Mourinho at the 14th attempt, and as the final whistle blew TV footage appeared to show the Frenchman walk behind his bitter rival rather than extend him the traditional courtesy on the touchline.

And when the moment was put to him in his post-match press conference, Mourinho suggested that Wenger's actions were borne out of a deliberate desire to avoid acknowledging him.

"[At the final whistle] I was doing what the status of my club and my status as a manager what I have to do: wait for the winners in a way where you only miss me when you want to miss me, and every Arsenal player came in my direction which was the easiest thing to do because I was right there.

"If other people didn’t come in my direction it’s not a story."

The two men have a long and acrimonious history of public sniping, with Mourinho infamously labelling Wenger a "voyeur" and specialist in failure" across his two spells at Chelsea and the Arsenal boss pushing his rival on the touchline during a Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge last season.

But when Mourinho's accusation was put to him in the Wembley press conference room, Wenger was dismissive. "I shook a few hands today after the game," he insisted. "There’s nothing special there."

Wenger denied that he harbours any lingering resentment over Mourinho's most cutting public insults but added: "I believe in a job where you have to respect everybody. It’s difficult job but it’s vital."

 

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Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea: Wenger breaks Mourinho jinx to lift Community Shield

Arsene Wenger finally beat rival manager Jose Mourinho at the 14th time of asking as Arsenal emerged with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The Gunners had gone over 500 minutes without netting against the Blues until Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain opened the scoring in the first half, shifting the ball onto his left foot and rifling a thunderous effort into the top corner.

Mourinho tried to rally his side in the second period, bringing on Radamel Falcao, but it was Eden Hazard who had the best chance to level the scores, only to blast the ball over the bar.

The Ox me season eke wath injury free unoth loku deyak balaganna puluwan

 

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The Ox me season eke wath injury free unoth loku deyak balaganna puluwan

Aniwa bro OX & Walcott​

 

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Fiorentina 2-1 Barcelona: Bernardeschi double sees off European champions

Barcelona's disappointing pre-season continued as they were beaten 2-1 by Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi on Sunday.

Barca fell to their third loss in the International Champions Cup, nine days ahead of their Uefa Super Cup meeting against Sevilla, as youngster Federico Bernardeschi netted twice in the opening 12 minutes.

After their shaky start, Barca - who were without superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar - slowly began to control proceedings but failed to find an equaliser after Luis Suarez had halved their deficit.

Chances fell to Pedro and Suarez as the European champions pressed, yet they were unable to find a way through, leaving Luis Enrique with plenty to ponder.

Barca's early defensive play will have worried their head coach as Bernardeschi was twice allowed to pounce on crosses from the right, giving Paulo Sousa an excellent start to his home debut as Fiorentina boss.

The young striker opened the scoring after four minutes with a well-placed header from a sumptuous Borja Valero cross.

Eight minutes later Joaquin found the 21-year-old unmarked 10 yards from goal and he again made no mistake with a cool, side-footed finish.

An action-packed start to proceedings showed no sign of abating as Suarez pulled a goal back for the visitors, the Uruguayan collecting a sublime cushioned volley from Ivan Rakitic before beating Ciprian Tatarusanu.

Pedro and Suarez were each guilty of wasting good openings to level before the break, the former wasteful on two occasions with weak shots from inside the penalty area.

And Barca were lucky not to fall further behind on the stroke of half-time when Bernardeschi went agonisingly close to claiming a hat-trick, the striker just about denied by Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the goalkeeper charged 40 yards out of his goal to deflect a long-range effort narrowly wide.

Valero and substitute Giuseppe Rossi - making his long-awaited comeback at Stadio Artemio Franchi after knee problems - could have strengthened Fiorentina's grip on the game in the second half, but their efforts were deflected over and Barca slowly began to gain control of proceedings.

A diving header from substitute Munir demanded a superb save from Tatarusanu to keep Fiorentina ahead, and the Romanian had to be alert again on the hour as Rafinha, Suarez and Pedro all peppered his goal.

Barca final chance came from an unusual source as Gerard Pique rose to meet a late corner from the left, his glancing header drifting wide as the 2014-15 treble winners fell to another pre-season loss.

 

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Messi condemned for 'partying with oppressors' in Gabon

Lionel Messi has been condemned by the Human Rights Foundation, who accuse him of "partying with oppressors" in his recent visit to Gabon.

The Barcelona star was photographed with Gabon dictator Ali Bongo after helping lay a foundation stone for a planned new venue for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2017, while he also visited a state-run hospital and a restaurant owned by the Bongo family.

While the Gabon government has strenuously denied reports that Messi was paid a seven-figure sum to attend the country in July, he has nonetheless been criticised for showing public support for the Bongo regime.

The controversial leader of the country has been accused of electoral fraud in the past, as well as certain human rights abuses, including the refusal to sanction investigations into the killing of children.

"In providing PR services to Gabon's Bongo family, Lionel Messi has seriously undermined the credibility of his own charitable foundation," said Human Rights Foundation president Thor Halvorssen.

"Whereas Messi claims to support children's rights, and even serves as a Unicef ambassador to promote youth education, he has endorsed a kleptocratic regime that refuses to investigate the ritual murder of children in Gabon.

"Messi's trip is part of the Bongo family's PR campaign to promote the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, which Gabon will host at enormous expense despite the fact that the Bongo family's embezzlement has left 20 per cent of the population to live on less than $2 per day."

HRF chief strategy officer Alex Gladstein added: "It's shocking, given the recent public humiliation endured by Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, and Kanye West, that Messi's management and the athlete himself would consider putting his prestige at the service of a serial human rights abuser.

"If Messi wants to do good in Gabon, HRF recommends that rather than partying with oppressors, he release a statement in solidarity with the country’s persecuted dissidents and environmentalists, and press the regime to investigate the ritual murders of children."Bongo himself claimed during the visit that Messi's appearance was simply due to a promise he made in an earlier meeting in Barcelona.

"When I was in Barcelona a few years ago, I met Messi who had told me that he would come to visit me in Libreville," he said. "It's a promise he made me. He is a man of honour who just kept his word."

 

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'Defensive' Arsenal abandoned their philosophy - Mourinho

Jose Mourinho accused Arsenal of leaving their footballing philosophy in the dressing room during Chelsea's 1-0 defeat in the Community Shield at Wembley.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored the only goal of the game 24 minutes in as Arsenal got one over on the Premier League champions ahead of the new campaign.

Arsene Wenger was finally able to celebrate a first win over Mourinho in 14 attempts and, while the Portuguese congratulated Arsenal, he couldn't resist a thinly-veiled dig.

"For me it depends on the perspective," he said.

"Normally [the media] like to say a team that is defensive and defends very well doesn't deserve to win. But I also have my opinion, different from your opinion.

"My opinion is the team that defends very well, that leaves their philosophy in the dressing room, changes their attitude, plays all the second half with nine players in front of the box, doesn’t concede and scores one goal, from that perspective they deserve to win.

"This is football. This is very good tactical organisation. Congratulations to them.

"One team played counter-attack football well. One team played with initiative well but without the sharpness you need to be more aggressive with the ball. The team tactically tried everything."

Mourinho and Wenger - who have a fractious relationship - avoided shaking hands after the game, with the former throwing his medal into the crowd.

Asked about the end of his unbeaten record against the Frenchman, Mourinho added: "I never had a psychological edge. It's not normal what happened before, and because it's not normal I never paid attention to that.

"I always thought one game is one game and has no relation with other games. Thirteen matches is an eternity.

"It has never been a question of beating someone and losing to another one."

 

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Lewandowski wants 100 Bundesliga goals 'as soon as possible'

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski says he wants to reach 100 Bundesliga goals "as soon as possible".

The Poland international currently sits on 91 strikes in Germany's top flight in 162 matches for both Bayern and Borussia Dortmund.And having notched 17 Bundesliga goals in his first season at the Allianz Arena, Lewandowksi is now looking to reach the 100 club in the coming campaign - and improve his own performances.

"I knew the first season would not be the best," Lewandowski, 26, told Kicker."I'm happy that I scored so many goals and played so much."The second season will hopefully be even better. Now is the time to show I can do even more.

"I know I can still play better and score goals. One hundred goals in the Bundesliga would be beautiful. I hope I can do it as soon as possible."

 

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Chelsea target Stones won't be sold, states Martinez

Everton will not sell Chelsea target John Stones, according to manager Roberto Martinez.

The England international has become the subject of major interest from the Blues, Manchester City and Manchester United, with rumours of a £30 million move to Stamford Bridge not far off.

Jose Mourinho did admit on Saturday that the Premier League champions were being priced out of a move for the 21-year-old after failing with a £28m bid in July.

And Martinez says that he is looking to build a side around Stones, issuing a hands-off warning to any interested parties.

He told reporters on Sunday: "You're going to get clubs that are working with big budgets because they have been working in the Champions League but we are a club with nine league titles and you've seen today we celebrated a special memory [at Duncan Ferguson's testimonial].

"We are a big club. What we want is to build and what we want to do is concentrate on the future and we are not a selling club by any means. The situation with John is as you would expect.

"He is one of the most talented centre-backs in European football and we feel we have a special footballer with us.

"There is nothing to discuss and teams putting bids in for him doesn't mean anything."

Stones took part in Ferguson's testimonial at Goodison Park as the Toffees fell to a 2-1 defeat to Villarreal.

 

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'We abandoned nothing' - Wenger hits back at Mourinho jibe

Arsene Wenger rejected Jose Mourinho's assertion that Arsenal abandoned their philosophy to secure victory against Chelsea in Sunday's Community Shield at Wembley.

A fine first-half strike from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain proved enough to settle proceedings in English football's annual curtain-raiser, giving Wenger his first win against Mourinho at the 14th time of asking.

The Chelsea manager subsequently referred to Arsenal as a team "that leaves their philosophy in the dressing-room [and] changes their attitude", in an apparent swipe at the Gunners' defensive approach in the second half.

Speaking to reporters, Wenger responded: "We abandoned nothing. We defended well. Our game is based on togetherness, on solidarity, and defending and attacking well.

"I believe that we defended because there was maybe a bit of a psychological hurdle ahead of my players. They were more concerned with protecting our lead against Chelsea rather than playing attacking football. We have to accept that and I don't think that's giving up your philosophy, it's a punctual fact that we wanted to win a game like that. I'm quite proud of that."

Wenger, who insisted that he had not taken extra satisfaction from finally masterminding a victory over Mourinho, highlighted the significance of former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech in preserving Arsenal's advantage.

"He did well," the Frenchman enthused. "Maybe he had an influence on the Chelsea players as well because they felt that, to score against him, they had to score the perfect goal.

"When you have that, sometimes you want to try too hard. It happened especially with Eden Hazard when he had that chance in the box."

Jack Wilshere missed Sunday's match due to an ankle problem which he sustained in training the previous day, with Wenger suggesting that it will only be "a matter of days" before the England midfielder is available again.

Wenger was also invited to comment on fresh speculation linking Arsenal with a move for Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema.

"No, nothing is happening," he replied. "Honestly, no. I don't know who brings that up. Is it Spanish media or English media? I don't know."

 

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Terry: Defeat by Arsenal hurts but has no bearing on Premier League

Chelsea captain John Terry says that defeat in the Community Shield by Arsenal "hurts" but will have no bearing on the new Premier League season.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's stunning first-half strike was the difference at Wembley on Sunday as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger finally beat Jose Mourinho at the 14th time of asking.

But while Terry was frustrated to have to lost the season's traditional curtain-raiser, he insisted that the result will not have any effect on where the Premier League title ends up in May.

"I thought we were on top, if anything. These games are always a bit slow with players finding their feet and fitness but it's disappointing we didn't win," the former England skipper told the media.

"Losing is just horrible in all aspects - forgetting the record [Mourinho's unbeaten run against Arsenal], it's a trophy that's gone now. It means a lot because you've earned the right to be here so we're just disappointed.

"It hurts. It doesn't matter if it's a friendly or the Community Shield - it's a trophy, at the end of the day."

When asked if the defeat will have an impact on the campaign ahead, Terry replied: "I don't think so. I think it's one of them where [Arsenal will] probably come out and say differently. They do mean something but, win or lose, I don't think you can say that."

Diego Costa was absent on Sunday due to his troublesome hamstring and Terry admitted that Chelsea lacked a cutting edge without last season's top scorer.

"He's a top player so he's going to be missed in all sides," the 34-year-old added. "It was a chance for Loic [Remy] to stamp his authority in the side, and [Radamel] Falcao second half... it's down to them boys to fight for their place. [They are] three great strikers and they'll all be fighting."

 

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Rooney: It was weird to play for Everton again!

England captain Wayne Rooney says that it was "a bit weird" to pull on an Everton shirt again but enjoyed his run-out in Duncan Ferguson's testimonial on Sunday.

The versatile forward burst into the footballing consciousness at Goodison Park before leaving for Manchester United under something of a cloud in 2004.

Rooney had not been certain what kind of welcome he would receive from Toffees fans as he came on as a second-half substitute but ended up pleased with the reaction.

"It's nice to come back here and the fans gave me a great reception, which obviously I was delighted with," he told reporters.

"Most importantly it was a big day for Duncan and he really enioyed the game and it was nice to see him back on the pitch again.

"It was a bit different today, going into the home dressing-room again. It was a bit weird at first but, as I say, didn't know what to expect with the reception but it was a great reception."

Rooney, a boyhood Evertonian, was also grateful for the chance for his young sons to watch him play for his old team.

He added to the Toffees' official website: "I was delighted with the fans' reaction. You never know what to expect but it was great for me, my kids and [wife] Coleen as well today and for them to see me in an Everton shirt."

 

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Barcelona aren't so good when not at 100 per cent - Luis Enrique

Barcelona are finding life difficult when they are not at 100 per cent, according to head coach Luis Enrique.

With Lionel Messi, Neymar, Javier Mascherano, Dani Alves and Claudio Bravo all rested, Barca suffered their third straight pre-season loss as they went down 2-1 to Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi on Sunday.

And their boss admits they have plenty to work on - in particular in defence - before the start of the 2015-16 season.

"I don't worry about the result, but about other things. We should improve our effectiveness and work on our defensive aspect, as always," he told reporters after the match."Our rivals cannot have that much space. We're working on it, although we have to work harder.

"We're very good if we're at 100 per cent. If we're not, we stop being so good."There are many aspects of the game that I liked. We created chances and we had good moments. But we have to correct things. These games help to stimulate that."

Pedro played from the start against the Serie A side despite continued talk of a possible move to Manchester United this summer, but Luis Enrique offered no clue as to the Spain international's future.

When asked about Pedro's possible exit, he simply said: "I have no news."Barca will now prepare for a clash with Roma on Wednesday before the Uefa Super Cup against Europa League holders Sevilla on August 11.

 

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Is Pedro the man to replace Di Maria at Manchester United?

As Angel Di Maria nears the completion of a move to Paris Saint-Germain, Pedro is the name on every Manchester United fan's lips as reports continue to link him with a move to Old Trafford.

The Spain international is a clear second choice behind Barcelona's incredible trio of first-team forwards so a move away for regular minutes might be just what the 27-year-old wants - but did he play his last game in a Barca shirt on Sunday night?

Luis Enrique's side were defeated by Fiorentina in an International Champions Cup match but how did Pedro get on?

PERFORMANCE AGAINST FIORENTINA

Though Barcelona did not fully recover from going 2-0 down within the first 12 minutes at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, the defeat could hardly be laid at Pedro's feet.

Playing the full match on the left flank, the Barca star was a near-constant threat, starting the game with purposeful running and maintaining the pressure whenever he got the ball.

His threatening movement and eager dribbling were the hallmarks of a fine performance, particularly in the first half as he routinely worked over the Italian side's defence. One particularly fine example came in the 27th minute as Pedro made a thrilling run down the left before coming back inside from the byeline, through the middle of the penalty area past several defenders before having a shot well saved.

Ciprian Tatarusanu had only just kept out a previous shot from the winger just six minutes ago and, if there were a criticism to be made of Pedro's efforts, it would be a failure to really punish with his finishing. Neither effort, however, was hopeless, and there is no doubt that the Spaniard has goals in him.

He also created several chances as Barca tried and failed to overturn their deficit and certainly should have had an assist late in the first half – but Luis Suarez fluffed his shot upon receiving Pedro's through-ball and instead fell flat on his face.
WHAT THE FUTURE COULD HOLD

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar. There is probably not a better front three in world football at the moment and it is the presence of the aforementioned trio at Camp Nou that is undoubtedly seeing Pedro assess his options.

While the Spain international would get his fair share of minutes as a rotation player for the Catalans, there is surely no conceivable scenario that would see the 27-year-old start regularly in place of Barca's scintillating trio - and that, for someone so talented, would be a waste.

The fact is that Pedro would command a place in almost any other top side in Europe, and, if he is thinking seriously about departing La Liga, the Premier League would certainly be a perfect stage for him to flourish. Indeed, the president of his old team says that he has been told that a move to England is very much on the cards.

And there will be no shortage of takers. Chelsea, who seemingly decided against going toe-to-toe with Manchester City for £49 million Raheem Sterling, are said to be one option although the Premier League champions are already well stocked on the flanks.

Eden Hazard is, of course, an irreplaceable in Jose Mourinho's starting XI, although Pedro would provide competition for Willian on the other wing, but the presence of Juan Cuadrado, who is likely to get more of a chance to impress in 2015-16, might dissuade the Spaniard from Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United are the club most heavily linked with a move for Pedro, however. Louis van Gaal is steadily building a side capable of pushing for the Premier League title and the tricky winger would slot in seamlessly to improve an already impressive-looking line-up, while the Dutchman has cited the 27-year-old as the sort of player whom the Red Devils should be chasing.

With Di Maria set to join Paris Saint-Germain after just one year at Old Trafford, space is freeing up in the United midfield.

Liverpool, too, would be an interested party but their lack of Champions League football would likely deter the Spanish winger.

And, of course, there is still Barca. Luis Suarez has called for his team-mate to reject the Premier League and stay at Camp Nou. Surely, though, a player of Pedro's immense ability should be aiming higher than being the Uruguayan's reserve - and United look the likeliest option at this stage.

 

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Pedro wa ganna puluwan unoth watinawa versatile nisaMainly wing 1ke & Striker kenek widiyata unath use karanna puluwan

Habai Di Maria wa replace karanna Pedro ta puluwan wei kiyalanam mama hithanne nahaDi Maria ge pace 1ka Pedro ta naha mama danna widiyata

Habai Pedro ge dribbling patta & Hardworking player kenek​