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..::Football III::..
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Manchester United wanted to sell me, claims PSG new-boy Di Maria
Angel Di Maria is determined to leave Manchester United behind, claiming that the Premier League club were happy to sell him to Paris Saint-Germain after just one season in England.
The Argentina international became the Premier League's most expensive import in history when signed for nearly £60 million from Real Madrid last year, although he was a costly flop.
Despite starting well, with three goals and six assists from his first 10 games as a United player, a nagging hamstring injury and subsequent drastic loss of form saw him fall out of favour under Louis van Gaal and the club opted to cut their losses on the midfielder, who has moved to Paris for €63m (£44.3m).
"First, you must know that Manchester United wanted to sell me," the former Real Madrid man told the press.
"It is a shared decision between the three parties. They wanted to sell me. I also wanted to leave and PSG wanted me.
"But I am very happy be here. Manchester is the past."
PSG dominated in France last season, winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue.
An assault on the Champions League is next on the menu for the capital club and Di Maria hopes that he can assist the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in making them a continental force.
"The club have been trying to recruit me for several years," he explained. "It is a great source of pride to come here and play with such important players like Ibra, [Javier] Pastore, [Marco] Verratti, David Luiz.
"All have the objective of winning the Champions League; it is also mine."
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Barcelona: Messi headbutt on Yanga-Mbiwa 'normal'
Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre has played down the seriousness of Lionel Messi's clash with Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, claiming that such incidents are "normal" in football.
Messi reacted angrily to something said by the Roma defender during the first half of Wednesday's friendly at Camp Nou, thrusting his head towards the France international before then grabbing his opponent by the throat.
Both players were booked for their role in the altercation but there have been claims that Messi was the aggressor and should have been dismissed.
However, Mestre feels that the whole affair was much ado about nothing.
"It is what happens in football games," he told reporters on Thursday. "I think it is anecdotal and there is no reason for giving this chapter more importance.
"It happens and it will keep happening in the future. It is normal when you play football."
After Neymar had opened the scoring in Catalunya, Messi doubled Barca's advantage shortly after the Yanga-Mbiwa incident before being replaced midway through the second half.
The four-time Ballon d'Or winner is now expected to lead the European champions' attack once more, in Tuesday's Uefa Super Cup showdown with Europa League winners Sevilla.
Borussia Dortmund 5-0 Wolfsberger (6-0 agg): Reus and Mkhitaryan run riot
A superb team goal finished by Marco Reus and a fine hat-trick from Henrikh Mkhitaryan saw Borussia Dortmund beat Wolfsberger 5-0 on Thursday and 6-0 on aggregate in the Europa League qualifiers.
Nerves may have been jangling among the home support when the sides went in level at the break after Dortmund, protecting a 1-0 lead following the first leg of this third qualifying round tie, had missed a host of chances.
But they found the right combination almost immediately after the break at Signal Iduna Park - Marco Reus finishing off a tremendous sweeping move before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang neatly scored a second on the end of a fantastic Ilkay Gundogan assist.
Mkhitaryan then took centre stage in the game's dying embers, thundering home three sensational goals to add heavy gloss to the scoreline and send the hosts into the play-off phase of the competition thanks to a 6-0 aggregate victory.
Despite the nervy first half, Dortmund grew in confidence, their old attacking swagger showing signs of resurfacing after 2014-15's occasional horrors.
As was the case in the first leg, Dortmund quickly asserted their dominance over the Austrian side, but had little to show for their first-half pressure.
Aubameyang was let down by his touch when played through 17 minutes in, before Mats Hummels saw a cute lobbed effort deflected wide with Alexander Kofler stranded. The visiting goalkeeper was much sharper when denying Aubameyang at his feet after spilling Reus' low drive.
Perhaps fuelled by frustrations at their own inability to score, Dortmund began to direct their ire at Romanian referee Marius Avram as he first booked Reus in questionable circumstances before denying the Germany attacker's strong penalty shouts.
Tuchel was finally moved from his perch on the touchline as Shinji Kagawa bundled his way through and scored, only for the offside flag to be raised against Aubameyang, who was adjudged to have interfered with play as he blocked a covering defender.
Pressure was eased, though, as the breakthrough finally came in the third minute after half-time.
Another superb one-touch break released Mkhitaryan on the left and his first-time cross afforded Reus ample time to allow the ball to run onto his right foot before clipping across Kofler and in.
Aubameyang, guilty of several misses, eventually netted with a composed chip after Gundogan had split the Wolfsberger defence with an accurate throughball to give Dortmund breathing room.
With the shackles off, Mkhitaryan ended the game in style.
First, the Armenian lashed beyond Kofler left-footed from 30 yards before darting in from the left flank onto his right and drilling another unstoppable shot home.
With the Yellow Wall in fine voice, Mkhitaryan treated them to another blockbuster, a low drive that again beat Kofler all ends up.
A superb team goal finished by Marco Reus and a fine hat-trick from Henrikh Mkhitaryan saw Borussia Dortmund beat Wolfsberger 5-0 on Thursday and 6-0 on aggregate in the Europa League qualifiers.
Nerves may have been jangling among the home support when the sides went in level at the break after Dortmund, protecting a 1-0 lead following the first leg of this third qualifying round tie, had missed a host of chances.
But they found the right combination almost immediately after the break at Signal Iduna Park - Marco Reus finishing off a tremendous sweeping move before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang neatly scored a second on the end of a fantastic Ilkay Gundogan assist.
Mkhitaryan then took centre stage in the game's dying embers, thundering home three sensational goals to add heavy gloss to the scoreline and send the hosts into the play-off phase of the competition thanks to a 6-0 aggregate victory.
Despite the nervy first half, Dortmund grew in confidence, their old attacking swagger showing signs of resurfacing after 2014-15's occasional horrors.
As was the case in the first leg, Dortmund quickly asserted their dominance over the Austrian side, but had little to show for their first-half pressure.
Aubameyang was let down by his touch when played through 17 minutes in, before Mats Hummels saw a cute lobbed effort deflected wide with Alexander Kofler stranded. The visiting goalkeeper was much sharper when denying Aubameyang at his feet after spilling Reus' low drive.
Perhaps fuelled by frustrations at their own inability to score, Dortmund began to direct their ire at Romanian referee Marius Avram as he first booked Reus in questionable circumstances before denying the Germany attacker's strong penalty shouts.
Tuchel was finally moved from his perch on the touchline as Shinji Kagawa bundled his way through and scored, only for the offside flag to be raised against Aubameyang, who was adjudged to have interfered with play as he blocked a covering defender.
Pressure was eased, though, as the breakthrough finally came in the third minute after half-time.
Another superb one-touch break released Mkhitaryan on the left and his first-time cross afforded Reus ample time to allow the ball to run onto his right foot before clipping across Kofler and in.
Aubameyang, guilty of several misses, eventually netted with a composed chip after Gundogan had split the Wolfsberger defence with an accurate throughball to give Dortmund breathing room.
With the shackles off, Mkhitaryan ended the game in style.
First, the Armenian lashed beyond Kofler left-footed from 30 yards before darting in from the left flank onto his right and drilling another unstoppable shot home.
With the Yellow Wall in fine voice, Mkhitaryan treated them to another blockbuster, a low drive that again beat Kofler all ends up.
AC Milan will soon become great again - Cannavaro
AC Milan will become a leading light in global football again under Bee Taechaubol, according to former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro.
The Thai businessman finally confirmed a deal on Sunday which has seen him acquire a 48 per cent stake in the Rossoneri from current president Silvio Berlusconi, for a fee believed to be close to €485 million.
Cannavaro claims he had advised Mr. Bee to purchase Napoli instead but believes, as a Milan fan, he will help to restore the club to their former pre-eminence across the world.
"I first advised Mr. Bee to buy Napoli," he said to Goal. "However, he was a big supporter of AC Milan ever since he was living in Australia. Thanks to Pablo Dana Banker who lives in Dubai, and is also a partner of Global Legends Soccer (GLS), Mr. Bee was introduced to Mr. Berlusconi.
"With Mr. Bee, AC Milan will for sure in a couple of years be the new great of international football."
Cannavaro also stressed he does not see himself as a possible Milan coach in the near future - not least because of the work already being done by Sinisa Mihajlovic.
"I am not interested in being the coach of Milan because I need more experience and the current coach is very strong," added the 2006 World Cup winner.
There has been some bad news from the treatment table for Milan, however, after it was confirmed that M'Baye Niang has suffered a fracture to his right foot.
The French forward has vowed to bounce back quickly, however, taking to Twitter to write: "If you give up once, it can become a habit."
AC Milan will become a leading light in global football again under Bee Taechaubol, according to former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro.
The Thai businessman finally confirmed a deal on Sunday which has seen him acquire a 48 per cent stake in the Rossoneri from current president Silvio Berlusconi, for a fee believed to be close to €485 million.
Cannavaro claims he had advised Mr. Bee to purchase Napoli instead but believes, as a Milan fan, he will help to restore the club to their former pre-eminence across the world.
"I first advised Mr. Bee to buy Napoli," he said to Goal. "However, he was a big supporter of AC Milan ever since he was living in Australia. Thanks to Pablo Dana Banker who lives in Dubai, and is also a partner of Global Legends Soccer (GLS), Mr. Bee was introduced to Mr. Berlusconi.
"With Mr. Bee, AC Milan will for sure in a couple of years be the new great of international football."
Cannavaro also stressed he does not see himself as a possible Milan coach in the near future - not least because of the work already being done by Sinisa Mihajlovic.
"I am not interested in being the coach of Milan because I need more experience and the current coach is very strong," added the 2006 World Cup winner.
There has been some bad news from the treatment table for Milan, however, after it was confirmed that M'Baye Niang has suffered a fracture to his right foot.
The French forward has vowed to bounce back quickly, however, taking to Twitter to write: "If you give up once, it can become a habit."
Tuchel: It's a pleasure to watch Mkhitaryan
Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel says it is a pleasure to watch Henrikh Mkhitaryan play following his dismantling of Wolfsberger on Thursday.
Goals from Marco Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang provided the platform for a stunning Mkhitaryan hat-trick to cap a thrashing of the Austrians and seal a 5-0 victory on the night and 6-0 aggregate win to see Dortmund sail into the competition's playoff round.Mkhitaryan's treble came within 13 breathless minutes late in the second half and Tuchel hailed the Armenian as a player he hopes can lead by example.
"Mkhitaryan is an absolute model professional. I'm very glad to have him in this team," the head coach said."It's a great pleasure for me to work with him and to watch him and see how he deals with his talent."
All of Dortmund's goals came in the second half after a first period of near misses and poor finishing had set pulses racing at Signal Iduna Park. Aubameyang especially was guilty of spurning numerous chances throughout and, though pleased with his side's efforts after the interval, Tuchel was keen to stress the need to strive for better.
"The second half was a good reaction to the first," he added. "We played with great tempo, showed good temperament, created many chances and ended with five goals scored."I was pleased with the second half, but in the first half we had a lack of positional discipline and could not play our passes.
"In the second 45 minutes we showed great discipline in the spaces in which we want to combine. As a consequence we could play much faster passes and play between the lines."
Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel says it is a pleasure to watch Henrikh Mkhitaryan play following his dismantling of Wolfsberger on Thursday.
Goals from Marco Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang provided the platform for a stunning Mkhitaryan hat-trick to cap a thrashing of the Austrians and seal a 5-0 victory on the night and 6-0 aggregate win to see Dortmund sail into the competition's playoff round.Mkhitaryan's treble came within 13 breathless minutes late in the second half and Tuchel hailed the Armenian as a player he hopes can lead by example.
"Mkhitaryan is an absolute model professional. I'm very glad to have him in this team," the head coach said."It's a great pleasure for me to work with him and to watch him and see how he deals with his talent."
All of Dortmund's goals came in the second half after a first period of near misses and poor finishing had set pulses racing at Signal Iduna Park. Aubameyang especially was guilty of spurning numerous chances throughout and, though pleased with his side's efforts after the interval, Tuchel was keen to stress the need to strive for better.
"The second half was a good reaction to the first," he added. "We played with great tempo, showed good temperament, created many chances and ended with five goals scored."I was pleased with the second half, but in the first half we had a lack of positional discipline and could not play our passes.
"In the second 45 minutes we showed great discipline in the spaces in which we want to combine. As a consequence we could play much faster passes and play between the lines."
Manchester City striker Dzeko arrives to complete Roma move
Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has arrived in Italy to complete his move to Roma.
The Bosnia-Herzegovina international has long been linked with a departure from the Etihad Stadium, having been unable to disldge Sergio Aguero as Manuel Pellegrini's first choice up front.
As revealed by Goal, the Giallorossi stepped up their interest in Dzeko in July, with negotiations prompting him to be left out of the squad for a friendly between the two sides later that month.
Those talks appear to have progressed well as Roma announced the striker's touchdown in the capital on Thursday evening.
Pellegrini has Wilfried Bony still in his squad as support for Aguero despite Dzeko's imminent exit, as well as youngster Jose Pozo and new signing Raheem Sterling, who frequently played up front for Liverpool last season.
Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has arrived in Italy to complete his move to Roma.
The Bosnia-Herzegovina international has long been linked with a departure from the Etihad Stadium, having been unable to disldge Sergio Aguero as Manuel Pellegrini's first choice up front.
As revealed by Goal, the Giallorossi stepped up their interest in Dzeko in July, with negotiations prompting him to be left out of the squad for a friendly between the two sides later that month.
Those talks appear to have progressed well as Roma announced the striker's touchdown in the capital on Thursday evening.
Pellegrini has Wilfried Bony still in his squad as support for Aguero despite Dzeko's imminent exit, as well as youngster Jose Pozo and new signing Raheem Sterling, who frequently played up front for Liverpool last season.
Who can Manchester United draw in the Champions League play-off?
This is not an unfamiliar position for Manchester United. Their summers in 2002, 2004 and 2005 all ended with a two-legged fight for Champions League football. The same was true of 1998, of course, and nine months later they were champions of Europe.
The 2015 version of United could face a much tougher task, though. In those eight previous matches at this stage of the Champions League, they won six, with the likes of LKS Lodz, Dinamo Bucharest and Debrecen soon dispatched. Their only defeat – away to Hungarian outfit Zalaegerszeg in 2002 – was quickly forgotten thanks to a 5-0 second-leg cruise at Old Trafford.
But Friday's play-off draw in Nyon could hold new demons. Since United were last involved in qualifiers, the format has been tightened to favour champion clubs from lower-ranked nations over under-achieving big boys. Finishing fourth in a glamour league no longer allows you the opportunity to waltz past a side most of your players couldn't spell.
When the balls go into the pot on Friday lunchtime, Astana, Skenderbeu and Maccabi Tel-Aviv are not among United's potential opponents. Lazio, Monaco and CSKA Moscow are.
Were they midway through a Champions League group campaign with the season in full flow, such rivals would be far from daunting but there has to be a fear that a squad still finding their feet, led by a manager who has admitted that he sees two areas of his squad in need of strengthening, could find such fixtures arriving a little too early for comfort.
Monaco reached last season's quarter-finals, disposing of Arsenal along the way and making life very tough for eventual finalists Juventus before bowing out by a single goal over two legs. They still boast notable talents such as Anthony Martial and Joao Moutinho, too, despite having quickly lost James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao as the Dmitry Rybolovlev era hit an early roadblock.
Lazio have a settled squad containing the explosive counter-attacking wing pairing of Antonio Candreva and the standout Brazilian, Felipe Anderson, and were one of the most consistent sides in Serie A for most of last season. While they might not have the name of an AC Milan or an Inter, their threat to a defensively questionable side like United cannot be underestimated.
CSKA, meanwhile, have arguably regressed in recent years but the off-the-pitch sideshow that can come with a trip to Russia has bitten many a top side in the past. They also took four points off Manchester City last season and would fancy their chances of causing more pain in the north west.
Rapid Vienna and Club Brugge are the final two possibilities for United and, while either would be considered a favourable draw compared to the aforementioned alternatives, Van Gaal needs to have his men fit and raring to go whomever they draw.
With around £250 million having been spent since last summer, albeit with some of it already recouped on Angel Di Maria's sale, a second Champions League season without Manchester United would be somewhat unthinkable. A start to the season nearly as limp as the last one, though, and it could be a reality.
United will entertain Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday and then head to Aston Villa six days later in their only competitive fixtures before arguably their most crucial pair of games since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. The slightest sign of them being undercooked after a shortened pre-season schedule could and should raise questions ahead of their Champions League D-Day.
No English side have fallen at this hurdle since Everton's anti-climactic home-and-away losses to Villarreal in 2005 and you wouldn't bet your house on Manchester United bucking that trend. Such is the increased unpredictably around Old Trafford these days, though, that nobody should be counting any chickens.
This is not an unfamiliar position for Manchester United. Their summers in 2002, 2004 and 2005 all ended with a two-legged fight for Champions League football. The same was true of 1998, of course, and nine months later they were champions of Europe.
The 2015 version of United could face a much tougher task, though. In those eight previous matches at this stage of the Champions League, they won six, with the likes of LKS Lodz, Dinamo Bucharest and Debrecen soon dispatched. Their only defeat – away to Hungarian outfit Zalaegerszeg in 2002 – was quickly forgotten thanks to a 5-0 second-leg cruise at Old Trafford.
But Friday's play-off draw in Nyon could hold new demons. Since United were last involved in qualifiers, the format has been tightened to favour champion clubs from lower-ranked nations over under-achieving big boys. Finishing fourth in a glamour league no longer allows you the opportunity to waltz past a side most of your players couldn't spell.
When the balls go into the pot on Friday lunchtime, Astana, Skenderbeu and Maccabi Tel-Aviv are not among United's potential opponents. Lazio, Monaco and CSKA Moscow are.
Were they midway through a Champions League group campaign with the season in full flow, such rivals would be far from daunting but there has to be a fear that a squad still finding their feet, led by a manager who has admitted that he sees two areas of his squad in need of strengthening, could find such fixtures arriving a little too early for comfort.
Monaco reached last season's quarter-finals, disposing of Arsenal along the way and making life very tough for eventual finalists Juventus before bowing out by a single goal over two legs. They still boast notable talents such as Anthony Martial and Joao Moutinho, too, despite having quickly lost James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao as the Dmitry Rybolovlev era hit an early roadblock.
Lazio have a settled squad containing the explosive counter-attacking wing pairing of Antonio Candreva and the standout Brazilian, Felipe Anderson, and were one of the most consistent sides in Serie A for most of last season. While they might not have the name of an AC Milan or an Inter, their threat to a defensively questionable side like United cannot be underestimated.
CSKA, meanwhile, have arguably regressed in recent years but the off-the-pitch sideshow that can come with a trip to Russia has bitten many a top side in the past. They also took four points off Manchester City last season and would fancy their chances of causing more pain in the north west.
Rapid Vienna and Club Brugge are the final two possibilities for United and, while either would be considered a favourable draw compared to the aforementioned alternatives, Van Gaal needs to have his men fit and raring to go whomever they draw.
With around £250 million having been spent since last summer, albeit with some of it already recouped on Angel Di Maria's sale, a second Champions League season without Manchester United would be somewhat unthinkable. A start to the season nearly as limp as the last one, though, and it could be a reality.
United will entertain Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday and then head to Aston Villa six days later in their only competitive fixtures before arguably their most crucial pair of games since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. The slightest sign of them being undercooked after a shortened pre-season schedule could and should raise questions ahead of their Champions League D-Day.
No English side have fallen at this hurdle since Everton's anti-climactic home-and-away losses to Villarreal in 2005 and you wouldn't bet your house on Manchester United bucking that trend. Such is the increased unpredictably around Old Trafford these days, though, that nobody should be counting any chickens.
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Pirlo, Vidal & Tevez losses may cause Juventus problems - Buffon
Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon admits his team may have "some problems" after the departures of several big names in the close-season.
Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal all left the Serie A and Coppa Italia champions this summer, while Sami Khedira has arrived from Real Madrid and Mario Mandzukic from Atletico as two of several additions.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Supercoppa Italiana against Lazio, goalkeeper and veteran Buffon said the season could be tricky for Juve."We have changed at least half of our team's core structure through a process of renovation and rejuvenation," he said.
"It is not an excuse for us but we cannot deny that we can have some problems because of this."
Buffon believes Juve can still perform at a level similar to last season, when they claimed the league title by 17 points, though it may take time for new signings to adapt to the team."Players who left were part of the football elite, they were considered giants in this sport for what they have achieved in the past 10 years," Buffon said.
"They have shown it and also managed their career in the best way."I do not think our process of technical renovation will create a big gap compared to last year.
"We brought in very strong players within a long-term perspective. However, these players will have to get to know each other and this will take some time."
Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon admits his team may have "some problems" after the departures of several big names in the close-season.
Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal all left the Serie A and Coppa Italia champions this summer, while Sami Khedira has arrived from Real Madrid and Mario Mandzukic from Atletico as two of several additions.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Supercoppa Italiana against Lazio, goalkeeper and veteran Buffon said the season could be tricky for Juve."We have changed at least half of our team's core structure through a process of renovation and rejuvenation," he said.
"It is not an excuse for us but we cannot deny that we can have some problems because of this."
Buffon believes Juve can still perform at a level similar to last season, when they claimed the league title by 17 points, though it may take time for new signings to adapt to the team."Players who left were part of the football elite, they were considered giants in this sport for what they have achieved in the past 10 years," Buffon said.
"They have shown it and also managed their career in the best way."I do not think our process of technical renovation will create a big gap compared to last year.
"We brought in very strong players within a long-term perspective. However, these players will have to get to know each other and this will take some time."
Angel Di Maria's Open Letter for Manchester United Fans in FullI write this note to thank all the Manchester United family for the great support received during the year I’ve been part of this club. When Manchester United chose me as part of their team I felt extremely honoured because I knew what this Club means and how it trusted me.
Nevertheless, I’m aware things didn’t work as we all expected and believe me, I feel really sorry about it. However in the career of a football player sometimes the unexpected and unwanted may happen. I can guarantee you it was not for trying. I did my best but football is not like maths: often a lot of things out of our control affect the way we feel and the way things turn out.
I am sorry it did not work out as I would have wished in this amazing huge club. I want to give special thanks to all the directors and management of Manchester United as well as to every member of the staff and colleagues as they gave me all their support. Also a special mention to all the fans who always trusted me and showed me their respect and love.Now is time to move to PSG but the Glorious
Manchester United club will be forever in my memory! Wish you all the best in the world.
With best regards,
Angel di Maria
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LVG kale loku mistake 1kak
Wish you good luck Di Maria!
Hama player kenekgema 1st season 1ka sucess wenne naha.anika 1ka season 1kai thiyagatthethLVG kale loku mistake 1kak
Wish you good luck Di Maria!
Benteke hits back at Sherwood & Keane criticism: I can adapt at Liverpool
Christian Benteke has dismissed criticism of his ability from two former coaches as he prepares to make his Premier League debut for Liverpool.
Benteke scored his first goal for the Reds on Sunday with a stunning volley in a 2-1 friendly win over Swindon Town, and the striker is confident he "can produce the goals" in the club's Champions League bid.
Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood declared in May that Benteke should not go to a club "where they don't cross the ball" but the £32.5 million signing rejected the notion he is one-dimensional.
"I don't believe that what he said is true and I told him that," Benteke told the Liverpool Echo. "I spoke with him and I explained the situation. I said football has changed and is now more modern and I can adapt.
"It is not just about crossing, I can score normal goals too. I told him I am not afraid about it. If Liverpool bought me then they know how to use me. That's why I came here - I'll show I can play with my feet too."
Benteke scored at a ratio of a goal-per-game for his last 11 Premier League matches with Villa as he helped the outfit avoid relegation following Sherwood's appointment.
The 24-year-old left Villa Park with 42 league goals in 89 games but former Villa assistant coach Roy Keane has previously claimed Benteke will not make it at the top level due to a lack of commitment at training.
"He can say what he wants," Benteke responded. "I don't want to be arrogant but since I came to England I've proved I wasn't a bad player."
Benteke added that he understands there will be a different type of pressure with Liverpool compared to Villa - "here it's the pressure to be at the top" - but remains confident he can thrive.
"Of course I want to get into the Champions League. I can help Liverpool do that," he said.
Liverpool will open their Premier League campaign against Stoke City on Sunday.
Christian Benteke has dismissed criticism of his ability from two former coaches as he prepares to make his Premier League debut for Liverpool.
Benteke scored his first goal for the Reds on Sunday with a stunning volley in a 2-1 friendly win over Swindon Town, and the striker is confident he "can produce the goals" in the club's Champions League bid.
Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood declared in May that Benteke should not go to a club "where they don't cross the ball" but the £32.5 million signing rejected the notion he is one-dimensional.
"I don't believe that what he said is true and I told him that," Benteke told the Liverpool Echo. "I spoke with him and I explained the situation. I said football has changed and is now more modern and I can adapt.
"It is not just about crossing, I can score normal goals too. I told him I am not afraid about it. If Liverpool bought me then they know how to use me. That's why I came here - I'll show I can play with my feet too."
Benteke scored at a ratio of a goal-per-game for his last 11 Premier League matches with Villa as he helped the outfit avoid relegation following Sherwood's appointment.
The 24-year-old left Villa Park with 42 league goals in 89 games but former Villa assistant coach Roy Keane has previously claimed Benteke will not make it at the top level due to a lack of commitment at training.
"He can say what he wants," Benteke responded. "I don't want to be arrogant but since I came to England I've proved I wasn't a bad player."
Benteke added that he understands there will be a different type of pressure with Liverpool compared to Villa - "here it's the pressure to be at the top" - but remains confident he can thrive.
"Of course I want to get into the Champions League. I can help Liverpool do that," he said.
Liverpool will open their Premier League campaign against Stoke City on Sunday.
Wolfsburg: De Bruyne won't see out deal
Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs has admitted it is unlikely Kevin de Bruyne will still be at the club when his contract ends in 2019.
After an impressive campaign in the Bundesliga, the Belgium international has been linked with a move to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Allofs has already said De Bruyne is "99.9 per cent" likely to stay, but is realistic over his long-term future."If the contract would run only until 2017 - then it would be decisive," he admitted to WAZ. "But we are honest: it is rather unlikely that he will stay with us until 2019.
"So the length of the deal does not play any major role. Of course I hope that we develop internationally so that elsewhere there are not many better opportunities for a player to improve."The midfielder has said he will not force Wolfsburg to sell him and Allofs doesn't expect him to hand in a transfer request.
"Kevin has not yet come to me and I'm also assuming that he will not come."
Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs has admitted it is unlikely Kevin de Bruyne will still be at the club when his contract ends in 2019.
After an impressive campaign in the Bundesliga, the Belgium international has been linked with a move to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Allofs has already said De Bruyne is "99.9 per cent" likely to stay, but is realistic over his long-term future."If the contract would run only until 2017 - then it would be decisive," he admitted to WAZ. "But we are honest: it is rather unlikely that he will stay with us until 2019.
"So the length of the deal does not play any major role. Of course I hope that we develop internationally so that elsewhere there are not many better opportunities for a player to improve."The midfielder has said he will not force Wolfsburg to sell him and Allofs doesn't expect him to hand in a transfer request.
"Kevin has not yet come to me and I'm also assuming that he will not come."
'I can't wait' - What is on Arsenal target Benzema's mind?
Karim Benzema has a habit of talking in riddles on social media. The Real Madrid striker set tongues wagging when he posted an image of him aboard a private jet back in July and now he says he "can't wait" for something.
Before you get too excited Arsenal fans that something, though, does not appear to be a move to the Emirates Stadium.
As revealed by Goal, the Gunners have not given up on signing the striker before the transfer window closes but with the 27-year-old having posted an image of him scoring for Madrid, it appears he's not pining for north London just yet...
Karim Benzema has a habit of talking in riddles on social media. The Real Madrid striker set tongues wagging when he posted an image of him aboard a private jet back in July and now he says he "can't wait" for something.
Before you get too excited Arsenal fans that something, though, does not appear to be a move to the Emirates Stadium.
As revealed by Goal, the Gunners have not given up on signing the striker before the transfer window closes but with the 27-year-old having posted an image of him scoring for Madrid, it appears he's not pining for north London just yet...
Chelsea are favourites but Arsenal are ready to fight for the title, vows Wenger
Arsene Wenger has declared that Arsenal are ready to fight for the Premier League title but concedes that Chelsea remain the favourites to retain their crown.
The Gunners finished third in the table last season although their strong finish to the campaign saw them come out on top of the form table for England's top-flight in 2015.
Wenger, though, believes Jose Mourinho's Chelsea should be considered as title favourites and has called on his side to make a strong start to the campaign to ensure they are in a position to push the Blues all the way.
He told reporters: "Chelsea won it by a margin last year so they must be favourites.
"We are ready to fight for the championship. We missed our start to the season last year, let's try to start strong. But we have a difficult start with two derbies and Liverpool in our first three games.
"We enjoy [the pressure of being talked of as title winners]. Before, no one talked about us like that! We're past that period."
Wenger also confirmed that Alexis Sanchez is not ready to be considered for selection but suggests he will be fit in time to feature against Liverpool in the Gunners' third game of the season on August 24.
He added: "He came back in good shape and should be available to play in 10 days."
Arsene Wenger has declared that Arsenal are ready to fight for the Premier League title but concedes that Chelsea remain the favourites to retain their crown.
The Gunners finished third in the table last season although their strong finish to the campaign saw them come out on top of the form table for England's top-flight in 2015.
Wenger, though, believes Jose Mourinho's Chelsea should be considered as title favourites and has called on his side to make a strong start to the campaign to ensure they are in a position to push the Blues all the way.
He told reporters: "Chelsea won it by a margin last year so they must be favourites.
"We are ready to fight for the championship. We missed our start to the season last year, let's try to start strong. But we have a difficult start with two derbies and Liverpool in our first three games.
"We enjoy [the pressure of being talked of as title winners]. Before, no one talked about us like that! We're past that period."
Wenger also confirmed that Alexis Sanchez is not ready to be considered for selection but suggests he will be fit in time to feature against Liverpool in the Gunners' third game of the season on August 24.
He added: "He came back in good shape and should be available to play in 10 days."
Ashley Young signs new Manchester United deal
Manchester United have confirmed that Ashley Young has signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2018, with an option to extend for another year.
As reported by Goal in April, the winger has penned a three-year contract after impressing during Louis van Gaal's first season in charge at Old Trafford but is understood to have taken a pay cut on his previous wages of £120,000 a week.
The news comes less than 24 hours after United confirmed Paris Saint-Germain's capture of Angel Di Maria, a player Young ousted from the starting line-up last season, and the England international is hoping to kick on in the new term.
"I am delighted to have signed a new contract. The spirit and motivation amongst this team is very high and we are all determined to make this a season to remember," Young told the club's official website.
"All I have ever wanted to do is play football and to be able to continue to do that at the biggest club in the world means everything to me and my family."
Manchester United kick off the Premier League season at home to Tottenham on Saturday.
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