..::Football III::..

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Luis Enrique: Barcelona cannot automatically win each title

Barcelona cannot be expected to win every title with ease, coach Luis Enrique has stressed in the wake of Tuesday's hard-fought Uefa Super Cup win over Sevilla.

The European champions were cruising with a 4-1 lead early in the second half after a Lionel Messi brace and goals from Luis Suarez and Rafinha had cancelled out Ever Banega's opener.

But Unai Emery's men fought their way back and forced the game into extra time, only for Pedro to score a 115th-minute winner to secure a 5-4 win for Barca.

"It seems Barcelona are expected to win every title, but it is not always like this. People think Barca win automatically but that's not the case. We should be proud of these players," Luis Enrique told reporters.

"What we did has a lot of merit. So I am very proud of how the players managed to restart again when it was 4-4 and create new chances.

"When you're leading 4-1, the opponent has nothing to lose. Obviously we have to analyse what happened and the risk that Sevilla took. They managed to come back. It happens sometimes. They had a penalty and used the wings.

"It was the same last season in La Liga. We were leading 2-0 and finally they drew the game. Today it happened the same in a final, but we can't forget Sevilla's strength."

Luis Enrique said he felt the game was over in the 52nd minute, when Suarez struck to make it 4-1, but Jose Antonio Reyes, Kevin Gameiro and Yevhen Konoplyanka all scored to take the game into extra time in Tbilisi.

"We knew how tough our opponent would be. Games can start randomly, like this one did. I think it was a great game for the fans.

"By the third minute we were losing, but at the 50th minute it seemed done. It is always difficult when you're facing an opponent at such a high level, it is always difficult.

"We are happy for our fans and players. The players put in an important effort after Sevilla managed to equalise. We're satisfied and now it's time to recover."

 

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Chelsea to demote physio Carneiro after Mourinho criticism

Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro is set to be demoted from her matchday duties following criticism from Jose Mourinho, Goal understands.

The manager was unimpressed after Eden Hazard was withdrawn from the field for treatment during Saturday's draw with Swansea, with Chelsea already down to 10 men after Thibaut Courtois's earlier red card.

Mourinho questioned his medical team's understanding of the game after the final whistle, telling reporters: "I was unhappy with my medical staff. They were impulsive and naive.

"Whether you are a kit man, doctor or secretary on the bench you have to understand the game."

Carneiro thanked fans on Facebook on Monday for their support in the wake of the incident, but is now understood to have lost her place in the dugout when Chelsea face Manchester City on Sunday.

The 41-year-old will also not be required to attend pre-match duties, but will continue working at the club's Cobham training base as her role is reduced.

Chelsea were unavailable for comment when contacted.

 

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Vidal: Bayern should sign Coman

Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal believes Juventus winger Kingsley Coman would prove to be a fine addition for the Bavarians if he were to make his way to the Allianz Arena.

The 19-year-old impressed with a number of fine displays in his maiden campaign with Juventus after joining the Serie A champions from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern are keeping a close eye on his situation in Turin.

Coman has a contract with Juventus until 2019 and Bayern could face a tough task to lure him away from his current club, yet Vidal feels it would be worth the effort.

"Kingsley is not only a young player, but is also incredibly fast and has a lot of quality," Vidal was quoted as saying by Sport Bild.

"He has a bright future ahead of him. He would be a fine signing for Bayern if he were to follow me to Munich."

Vidal has been compared to former Bayern star Lothar Matthaus because of his style of play and he feels honoured to be likened to the ex-Germany midfielder.

"I read about the comparisons with Matthaus. I agree that we are similar type of players.

"It's a huge compliment when someone like Lothar himself makes such a comparison. He has a big reputation in football. I hope that I can live up to the expectations."

 

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Roma defender Balzaretti announces retirement

Roma defender Federico Balzaretti has announced his retirement at the age of 33 after failing to recover from a long-term hip injury.

Balzaretti has only made one competitive appearance for the Serie A club since November 2013 after suffering the injury against Sassuolo, which forced him to undergo surgery in the United States in an attempt to correct the problem.

After a lengthy absence, Balzaretti - who won 16 caps for Italy - returned to fitness in April and, after being an unused substitute in nine matches, played the full 90 minutes in Roma's 2-1 defeat to Palermo on the final day of the 2014-15 campaign.

However, the full-back has now been forced to call time on his playing days and is set to take up a role working under Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini.

"I am retiring from football," he said at a press conference. "Unfortunately the injury I've had is forcing me to hang up my boots. It's been a difficult decision to take, but I can't continue playing the way I want to, at 100 per cent.

"Last year, in my last news conference here, I said I wanted to get back on the field and play one more match for Roma.

"I managed to play 90 more minutes with Roma and I'd like to thank everyone here for making that last dream come true.

"I'm happy to have spent the last few months of the season with this group and am delighted we secured second place."

Balzaretti started his professional career with Torino and also wore the jerseys of Varese, Siena, Juventus, Fiorentina and Palermo before joining Roma in 2012.

 

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Mourinho has gone too far with Carneiro treatment

Jose Mourinho has always used his media interactions as a distraction technique, insulating his players from criticism by centring the story on himself or others. He has sought to create a siege mentality among his squad, an ‘everyone against Chelsea’ narrative where those wearing blue are the only people whom each other can trust.

But his alarming dressing-down of team doctor Eva Carneiro after the Blues were nearly embarrassed by Swansea City on Saturday is arguably the first time that he has turned his guns on one of his own so viciously at Stamford Bridge.

With Chelsea down to 10 men after Thibaut Courtois’s red card and the scoreline at 2-2 late in the second half of their Premier League opener, Mourinho was incensed when, after Eden Hazard appeared to take a knock, Carneiro and her team were summoned onto the pitch by the referee to treat the Belgian. As a result, Hazard was required to briefly leave the field, leaving the hosts with just nine men.

"If you go to the pitch to assist a player, then you must be sure that a player has a serious problem," Mourinho fumed to the press afterwards as he began to set up the cover for a poor performance.

"I was sure that Eden didn't have a serious problem. He had a knock and was very tired.

"My medical department left me with eight fit outfield players in a counterattack after a set-piece and we were worried we didn't have enough players left."

Widespread reports now claim that Carneiro has had her duties severely reduced, including her removal from the dugout on matchdays, with Chelsea refusing to comment. It leaves an extremely poor taste in the mouth if Mourinho has indeed come down with such fury on someone who – not alone, it must be noted, despite the seeming specificity of the punishment – was merely following the instructions of the referee.

Mourinho’s media outbursts have always prioritised protecting his players from the ‘other’ but, if that means protecting them from his own staff, then it is surely a policy being taken too far. He certainly cannot argue that Carneiro should have ignored the laws of the game by refusing the referee’s request.

Indeed, the only person who could possibly be blamed for Hazard’s removal from the pitch is Hazard himself. If your players are going to feign injury to waste time and slow down play then this is inevitably going to be an issue for them. Usually, this tactic pays off for Mourinho’s teams, but there is no excuse when it doesn’t – being, as it is, technically outside of the rules of the game to pretend to be injured.

What it amounts to is another recent example of Mourinho’s ugly trend of punching down. In the past, the Portuguese has always railed against larger forces who may or may not have the power that he claims but are certainly out of his control – the media, the referees, the fixture computer, the board – but his targets of late are those who do not usually get a right of reply. Carneiro follows his unsavoury attack on Rafa Benitez via the Spaniard’s wife earlier this summer.

It doesn’t help, of course, that Carneiro is one of the highest-profile women working in the men’s game and already has had to put up with unequal and often degrading treatment from the stands, over social media, and almost undoubtedly from within the game as well. That is not to say that sexism is at the root of her punishment here – in fact, one might suspect that the fact that she was appointed to her first-team role by Mourinho’s former protege, Andre Villas-Boas, in 2011 could be more of a factor – but to so unfairly single out such a person sends out, consciously or otherwise, a very unpleasant message to other women with similar ambitions.

There was also a bizarrely worded criticism of 19-year-old midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek for a perceived lack of effort in post-season games earlier this year, in which Mourinho declared that their relationship had gone “one step back”, though this is easier to explain as a tough-love approach towards developing a young player.

Mourinho recently signed a new contract with Chelsea that, if fulfilled to its entirety, would see his second spell with the Blues become his longest stay at any one club but one cannot help but be reminded of Real Madrid. There, the ‘Special One’ slowly, steadily, then spectacularly fell out with colleagues left and right until his position was no longer tenable, publicly criticising the likes of Pepe, Sergio Ramos and even Cristiano Ronaldo.

If he continues down this road at Chelsea, it would be a surprise if he saw out that new deal, especially as Mourinho had his fair share of previous disagreements with owner Roman Abramovich, to whom he can still play the underdog fighting bravely for his team and his honour. But while his capacity for longevity remains an open question, there is no doubt here that Mourinho has gone too far.

 

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Mourinho mokakhari gemak dagannawama thamai​

 

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Raiola dismisses Ibrahimovic to Galatasaray rumours

Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola has denied that he has held talks with Galatasaray over a summer transfer.

On Tuesday, a number of Turkish sources published quotes from Raiola confirming that a Galatasaray representative had approached him to discuss a potential move, fuelling speculation the 33-year-old could be on his way out of PSG.

However, Ibrahimovic's agent has now taken to Twitter to rubbish suggestions he spoke with any Turkish journalists about a move to the Istanbul side.

"Never spoke to any Turkish journalist about Zlatan in my life, going around are lies. I don't talk, but they invent," Raiola commented via the social networking site.

"Never met Galatasaray for Zlatan."

Ibrahimovic has been heavily linked with a move away from PSG this summer, with AC Milan and MLS mooted as possible destinations.

However, PSG have so far been adamant that the prolific attacker is going nowhere and will stay put until his contract expires in 2016.

 

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Liverpool can replace Gerrard with Coutinho, says Kaka

Kaka has urged Liverpool to build a team around Philippe Coutinho following the departure of long-serving captain Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard ended his 17-year association with the Anfield outfit at the end of last season to join LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer, where Kaka also plies his trade for Orlando City.

And, after Coutinho scored the winner in Liverpool's Premier League opener at Stoke City on Sunday, 89-time Brazil international Kaka predicts a bright future at both club and international level for the 23-year-old.

"I have been a big admirer of Coutinho and he can be a very important player for Liverpool and Brazil," he told reporters.

"There will be a lot of expectation on him with Liverpool fighting to get back into the Champions League, but I know that he can handle it.

"One great player doesn't make a team, but you can build a team around one great player, and I believe he can be that player.

"Coutinho is a humble guy. He won't talk about being able to replace a legend like Steven Gerrard, and the truth is nobody could ever replace him, but with Gerrard gone they do need somebody to step up - and he can do that."

 

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Rafael explains Manchester United exit: Van Gaal didn't like me

Rafael claims that he was disliked by Louis van Gaal at Manchester United but is unaware if the Dutchman's reported aversion to Brazilian players led to his departure from the club.

The 25-year-old emerged as a mainstay in the United starting line-up under Sir Alex Ferguson but, after a season with David Moyes in charge at Old Trafford, started just six league games following the appointment of the former Netherlands boss.

Van Gaal has clashed with the likes of Rivaldo while at Barcelona in the past and Rafael, who left United for Lyon this summer, acknowledged the Dutchman's track record with Brazilian players.

"I don't know, sincerely," he told Globo Esporte when asked about Van Gaal's dislike of Brazilian players. "I don't know what to say about that because I was the only one [at United], since Anderson left before.

"I know this history that he doesn't like Brazilians but I can't say: 'Oh, he doesn't like Brazilians'. I know that he didn't like me but, if that's because I'm Brazilian, I don't know."

Rafael described Ferguson's departure from Old Trafford in 2013 as "fatal" to his United career.

He remarked: "I did the complete season, when [Ferguson] left. In 2012-13 I played almost every game, it was my best season at United - we were even champions - and that's when they changed the manager. That change was fatal for me. I was going well, then Ferguson left.

"That's what changed, so [Antonio] Valencia started playing as a right-back for Van Gaal. He's also a great player but I was doing well in that position.

"Ferguson even called to wish me good luck. I had a very good relationship with him, he helped me a lot in Manchester, and always did everything to help me. He signed me when I was 16; I don't even know what to say."

Rafael also indicated that he holds no grudges over his exit from United, having lost his place in the side.

"[Van Gaal] had his opinions, his thoughts," the defender said. "Everyone has their opinion. A manager is a manager. I always respected it and I will always respect it."

 

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Vidal: I joined Bayern to win the Champions League

Arturo Vidal says he opted to join Bayern Munich this summer in order to fulfil his ambition of winning the Champions League.

The Chile international, who moved to the Allianz Arena from Juventus in a €40 million deal, was a beaten finalist in last season's competition as the Italian champions lost 3-1 to Barcelona.

And, having been backed in his decision by national team coach Jorge Sampaoli, Vidal admits the chance to get his hands on the famous trophy was the main motivation behind his transfer.

"[Sampaoli] immediately said it was a great option for me," he said to Sport Bild. "Especially in terms of my desire to finally win the Champions League. Every player wants to hold the Champions League trophy in their hands at some point.

"So the decision to move to Bayern was easy."

Vidal added that the chance to work under Pep Guardiola was also a key factor behind his decision, especially as he believes Sampaoli's Chile system owes much to the former midfielder's own tactics."We were both of the opinion that Pep is one of the best coaches in the world. Our game with Chile contains a lot of Guardiola elements," he said.

The former Bayer Leverkusen enforcer went on to claim his fiery approach to the game is far removed from the more placid persona he shows off the pitch. "I play football with a lot of passion and put my whole heart into the team. That's what I hope to do well for Bayern," the 28-year-old added.

"The private Arturo is quite sensitive. At home, I'm a quiet guy. On the pitch, I have a different personality. I feel the adrenaline rising and the urge to win."

 

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Arsenal midfielder Rosicky out for up to two months

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has been ruled out for up to two months after undergoing knee surgery, his agent has confirmed.

The Czech has been sidelined since June after suffering a knee problem while on international duty and was expected to return to full training later in August.

But Rosicky, 34, now looks set to miss at least another four weeks after undergoing a procedure on his knee.

"Tomas last Tuesday passed arthroscopic knee surgery. The recovery period is estimated at four to eight weeks," Rosicky’s agent Pavel Paska told iDNES.cz.

The Czech FA confirmed that he will miss the country's Euro 2016 qualifiers in September, adding that he faces a race against time ahead of games against Turkey and the Netherlands in October.

"He's had some treatment, though not anything big, but time is against us," said Miroslav Pelt, chairman of the Football Association of the Czech Republic.

Arsenal triggered a clause in Rosicky's contract last season to extend his deal until 2016 and but he has revealed his frustration over a lack of playing opportunities in 2014-15.

 

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Messi, Ronaldo and Suarez up for Best Player in Europe Prize

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luiz Suarez have been announced as the final three candidates for the 2014-15 Uefa Best Player in Europe award.

Ronaldo, who picked up the trophy last year, earns another nomination after a season in which he scored 61 goals in 54 appearances and claimed the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.

Messi and Suarez, meanwhile, formed a fearsome attacking partnership with Neymar that helped inspire Barcelona to the treble in Luis Enrique's first season in charge.

Ronaldo and the Barca duo finished ahead of Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, Neymar and Chelsea star Eden Hazard in the running for the award.

The Uefa Best Player in Europe prize is voted for by journalists from all 54 of Uefa's member associations. Each journalist provides a five-man shortlist who they believe should win the award, with each of those players receiving a points tally based on the ranking and number of votes they receive.

The winner will be announced at the Champions League group-stage draw on August 27, where a jury will vote for one of the final trio.

 

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Guardiola is 100 per cent with Bayern - Lahm

Philipp Lahm insists Pep Guardiola is "100 per cent" focused on his role at Bayern Munich despite continued speculation over his long-term future.

Guardiola continues to be linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena after this season as his contract enters its final year, with Manchester City frequently rumoured to be considering his appointment despite having handed Manuel Pellegrini a new deal.

Pressure is also mounting on the former Barcelona boss to deliver the Champions League this term after two consecutive semi-final defeats, but Lahm says his commitment to the club's ambitions this coming season cannot be called into question.

"Those are all outside people," Lahm told reporters when asked about Guardiola's critics. "They should come here and see how meticulously he is working. The coach does a very good job. You just have to see him at bench during a game, and you know he does his job with heart and soul.

"I'm working on a daily basis with him and you feel that he is 100 per cent with FC Bayern. His future doesn't have any effect on the team."

The former Germany captain believes Bayern's pre-season has set them up well for 2015-16 but has warned against any early complacency.

"We worked well and really hard, but you don't know where you are right after matchday one. You need a few weeks. All I can say is that we worked really well," said the 31-year-old.

Lahm also warned his team-mates that nobody should consider their spot in the starting XI safe given the intense competition for places.

"It's not easy [on the bench] but I expect a professional approach. We are a team that wants to win everything - it is normal to have a certain competition within the squad.

"There will be disappointed players, but they have to continue working professionally - in training and on the pitch. You can be annoyed about the coach, but you have to give everything for the team."

Lahm also hinted at some continued tactical tweaks during the coming season, though he admits he would rather keep his midfield role than return to right-back.

"I will be playing both as a midfielder and right-back, it depends on the situation. It is great to have some variety and you can always learn something new. Nevertheless, it is no secret that I prefer to be a midfielder - nothing's changed there."

Finally, the 2014 World Cup winner reiterated his intention to see out his career in Munich rather than consider a move to Qatar or MLS.

"No, that's not for me. It's okay when other players do that, but I will end my career at FC Bayern, I won't leave the club," he added.

 

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Bayern cannot destroy everybody - Boateng

Jerome Boateng believes Bayern Munich's Bundesliga opener against Hamburg on Friday is "dangerous" and has warned fans not to expect the defending champions to "destroy every opponent" this season.

Bayern start their quest for a fourth successive domestic league crown against a side that secured their top-flight safety via the playoffs last season.

Pep Guardiola's men are overwhelming favourites to claim the three points at the Allianz Arena but Boateng believes his former club will prove tricky opponents.

"It is dangerous, they have nothing to lose," he told reporters. "But if we are aggressive and focused I won't worry. We won't underestimate Hamburg, however, or make them smaller than they are."

Bayern finished 10 points ahead of Wolfsburg last season and enjoyed winning margins of 19 and 25 points in the two campaigns before that.

Despite that impressive record, Boateng is wary of making bold predictions and expects the odd bad day for the Bavarian giants.

He added: "The most important thing is to get a good start to the season and that is a win, no matter how it is achieved. Nevertheless, people must not expect us to destroy every opponent. We are human beings and it's absolutely normal to have some bad games as well.

"We have lots of competitors like Wolfsburg, [Borussia] Dortmund, [Borussia] Monchengladbach and [Bayer] Leverkusen."

Guardiola has strengthened an already formidable Bayern squad with Arturo Vidal and Douglas Costa during the transfer window, and Boateng is relishing the prospect of working with the former in particular.

He said: "He is a player that gives everything at any time. He knows that he has to be calmer and smarter in some situations but he has lots of quality and will definitely help us."

Boateng's career has been plagued by fitness issues but he believes he now has a greater understanding of what his body needs to remain injury free.

"I care for myself and my body and I eat well," he said. "Sometimes you are simply unlucky but you can prevent injuries on the other hand as well. When you get older, you get to know your body better and you can react earlier or quit training."

 

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Manchester United midfielder Schweinsteiger close to full fitness

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger hopes to be fully fit in time for their Champions League play-off against Club Brugge after shrugging off a calf injury.

The Germany international made his competitive debut for United in Saturday's 1-0 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford, coming on in the final 30 minutes to help build up his fitness after injury during pre-season.

Now the 31-year-old believes he is nearing full fitness - something Pep Guardiola suggested had been eluding him for the past three seasons at Bayern - just in time for United's clash with Brugge on August 18.

"It's fine," he told MUTV when asked about his calf.

"I had three or four days in America where I had this injury and it was not so good for my rhythm. Now I feel much better and also the game was very important to play 30 minutes.

"The training sessions are very important for me, too. I'm getting better and I hope I will be 100 per cent fit in the next week."

Schweinsteiger was given a rapturous applause at Old Trafford when he replaced Michael Carrick in the opening game of the season and the World Cup winner admitted he was overwhelmed by the occasion.

He said: "It was amazing, really. I was surprised and I have to say 'thank you' to all the supporters. It was a great feeling and yes, at the end, we won so it was a good day for us.

"I’d played twice before in the Champions League but this was something new on Saturday.

"The support is huge; I knew that before I came here and saw it in the USA as we had a lot of supporters there too. It was great and a special day for me on Saturday."

 

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Official: Dzeko completes Roma switch

Edin Dzeko has completed his move from Manchester City to Roma, it has been confirmed.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina international moves to the Stadio Olimpico on a season-long loan deal, with Roma retaining an option to make the move permanent.

City announced the deal with a lengthy tribute to the former Wolfsburg striker, who lifted two Premier League titles in his time in Manchester.

"A firm favourite with the City fans and backed by an adoring nation of Bosnians, 'The Diamond' shone brightly during his time with the Blues and will be fondly remembered for having a pivotal role in City’s glorious past five years," read a release via their official website.

"Everybody at the Club wishes Edin the very best for the future and thank him for his excellent service with Manchester City."

Speaking after completing a medical and signing a contract in Italy, Dzeko told Roma TV: "I came here to win titles with Roma. Hopefully we will win many, many trophies but first we have to work hard on the pitch and at the end, hopefully we will get where we want to be.

"I can only promise one thing and that is that I will give my best for this club in every game."

Dzeko's arrival comes after Roma allowed Antonio Sanabria to return to La Liga on a season-long loan deal with Sporting Gijon.

The 19-year-old had struggled for game time under Rudi Garcia and could turn out for his new side in their pre-season clash with Villarreal on Saturday.

 

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Neymar reveals the toughest defenders and best goal of his career

Neymar has named Sergio Ramos as one of the toughest defenders he has had to face during his career.

The Barcelona star described the Real Madrid centre-back as "a great defender" when asked who he considered to be the most difficult stoppers he has played against.

Blaugrana team-mates Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique also earned Neymar's praise, along with countryman Thiago Silva.

"It's hard to say, there are so many top defenders," he said during a Q&A session with Fifa TV. "Mascherano, Pique, Thiago Silva, Sergio Ramos - he's a great centre-back. There's a lot."

Neymar went on to highlight his goal for Santos against Flamengo - a brilliant solo run which saw him win the Fifa Puskas Award in 2011 - as the best in his career so far.

"I've already scored so many special goals that have been significant for my career, and I'll never forget any of them. But the one I'm going to choose is the goal against Flamengo, the one that won me the Puskas award," he said.

The 23-year-old named Zinedine Zidane and former strikers Romario and Ronaldo as three retired players whom he would have loved to play alongside - but it is another Brazilian forward he considers his idol.

"I always loved Robinho, ever since I was little, and I had the pleasure of playing alongside him - not just at Santos, but also with Brazil," he added.

"I'm a big fan of Romario, he's someone I'd have loved to play with. Zidane, too. I just got to play with Ronaldo once, in his very last game for Brazil, but I'd have loved to play more with him.

"I think those three are the main ones I'd have liked to play alongside."

 

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Di Maria will bring confidence to PSG - Thiago Silva

Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva believes Angel Di Maria's arrival will bring "more confidence to the team".

Di Maria completed his protracted switch to the Ligue 1 champions for a reported fee of €63 million after a disappointing season at Manchester United.

Silva is confident the Argentina international will make a positive impact at the Parc des Princes and strengthen Laurent Blanc's already-formidable squad.

"I think he will bring more confidence to the team and do what he can," he told the club's official website.

"This is a player who always manages to create danger. He does not hesitate to carry the ball. He has many qualities and will help us a lot. With him we are even stronger than last season."

PSG opened the defence of their league title last Friday with a battling 1-0 win at Lille, a result made even more impressive due to the 28th-minute dismissal of midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

Silva added: "When an incident like that happens, the experience of the players is very important because with 10, if you panic, it becomes difficult to manage a game.

"With players of quality and experience there with us I think the team managed the game well."

PSG meet newly-promoted Gazalec Ajaccio at the weekend, with the Brazil international admitting it represents a step into the unknown.

"This will be a very difficult game because we do not know this team," he said. "They could therefore cause us problems. But if we focus as we did against Lille, I think it will be fine."

 

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Chelsea doctor Carneiro supported by Football Medical Association

Chelsea first-team doctor Eva Carneiro has received full backing from the Football Medical Association (FMA) following Jose Mourinho 's public criticism of her actions and reported demotion.

Mourinho hit out at Carneiro following Sunday's 2-2 draw with Swansea City, accusing her and physio Jon Fearn of being "impulsive and naive" for the way they rushed onto the field to treat a perceived injury to Eden Hazard.

Treatment to Hazard and an earlier red card to Thibaut Courtois left the hosts with nine men for the closing seconds, yet FMA chief executive Eamonn Salmon has backed the actions of the medical team.

"If a player sustains or appears to sustain an injury and indicates that he needs assistance, it is the duty of the referee to permit medical assessment and evaluation to be provided," read a statement.

"At that moment the player becomes a patient of the medical team and it is the duty and obligation of club medical staff to attend to that patient accordingly and without prejudice to the interests of anyone else including the club employing them.

"The Football Medical Association fully supports the actions of our members and colleagues in this incident who acted with integrity and professionalism at all times, fully cognisant of the rules of the game and in full accordance with that duty of care to their patient.

"Factors extraneous to the immediate medical needs of the patient (such as the stage and state of the game) cannot be part of their consideration at such time."

Former Liverpool head of sports medicine and sport science Peter Brukner also criticised Mourinho for his treatment of Carneiro and believes he should issue a public apology.

"To criticise the medical staff publicly in the way that he did was absolutely appalling behaviour," he told talkSPORT .

"The medical staff deserve a public apology and I'm very disappointed that the club hasn't come out and done something to support them – they were just doing their job."

 

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Tottenham closing in on N'Jie deal, confirms Lyon president

Tottenham are close to agreeing a deal for Clinton N'Jie, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed.

Goal reported on Monday that Spurs are on the verge on wrapping up a £10.6 million deal for the 21-year-old forward, and are also in talks with Manchester United over Javier Hernandez and West Brom regarding a move for Saido Berahino.

Aulas has revealed that Spurs are on the verge on completing the deal but is keen to sign a replacement before sanctioning the transfer.

"We are close to an agreement but there's no urgency for us," the Lyon president told RMC.

"We want to complete our own signings first, but I thank [Tottenham chairman] Daniel Levy to have made an offer that we now regard as consistent."