..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi wishes Pedro all the best at Chelsea

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has wished Pedro all the best at Chelsea following the completion of the winger's €30 million transfer.

The 28-year-old ended a month-long transfer saga that saw him linked heavily with Manchester United only for Jose Mourinho's Blues to swoop in late to seal a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

Messi, who has spent 11 years alongside Pedro on Barcelona's books, reminded his Facebook followers of the fond times he has spent with the Spaniard and wished him well in the Premier League.

"We've shared really great moments in together over the years," the Argentine forward wrote on his official page. "Good luck in the new chapter of your life, Pedro!"

Pedro has won three Champions Leagues, five Liga titles and three Copa del Rey trophies since first linking up with the Catalans' senior squad in 2008.

The winger will go down in Camp Nou folklore for opening the scoring in their fourth European title in 2010-11, when they defeated Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley.

More recently, Pedro scored the winning, extra-time goal in Barca's 5-4 Uefa Super Cup triumph.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal & Liverpool say 'no' to Illarramendi

Liverpool have no interest in signing Asier Illarramendi from Real Madrid, Goal has learned.

The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old, who was signed by Madrid from Real Sociedad for €32m in 2013.

But it is understood the Merseysiders were never in the running for his signature and the club believe they have been used to drum up interest from elsewhere.

Arsenal were also approached about a deal for Illarramendi but neglected to make an offer.

It means the midfielder's future at the Santiago Bernabeu remains far from certain with two weeks of the transfer window remaining.

With the widespread links to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool in the British and European press, there had been a growing sense that the midfielder is now surplus to requirements in the Spanish capital.

The signing of Mateo Kovacic has left Madrid coach Rafa Benitez with a number of quality options in the centre of midfield, with Illarramendi and 22-year-old Brazilian Lucas Silva also fighting for a place against the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro.

But while Goal understands that Lucas Silva is almost certain to leave the club on loan this summer, Illarramendi could still remain at the Bernabeu.

Madrid are keen for Lucas Silva to play regular first-team football in Spain to assist his development, but are not expected to add an option to sign the former Cruzeiro man permanently in any deal.

He did not feature in the last two friendlies against Valarenga and Galatasaray and the No.16 shirt he occupied last season will be worn by new signing Kovacic in 2015-16. James, Danilo and Casemiro, meanwhile, are set to use up the squad's non-EU players quota.

Illarramendi had been widely expected to leave Madrid this summer, but his situation is not as simple as that of Lucas Silva; he is understood to be happy in the city and would prefer to remain with los Blancos.

Benitez is also prepared to have him as part of the squad as he attempts to strike a balance in midfield between defence and attack, given his wealth of options in the forward positions.

The club, too, remain wary of the injury problems endured by Luka Modric throughout last season which left them short on numbers and lacking that balance in the centre of the park.

As with many players made available by either Madrid or Barcelona, a number of Primera Division sides are thought to be interested in the Basque, who has struggled to nail down a starting berth following his €32m move two years ago.

But as yet nothing concrete has been put forward and, given the player's willingness to stay in his current surroundings, it could pan out to be another season on the sidelines for Illarramendi.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger dismisses Ozil exit rumours

Arsene Wenger has dismissed reports that Arsenal's record signing, Mesut Ozil, could leave the club amid reported interest from Besiktas and Juventus.

Ozil cost the Gunners £42 million when he signed from Real Madrid two years ago and Wenger insists that the 26-year-old German will stay in north London this summer.

"He is a wonderful player who is completely committed to the club and focused on getting some good results," Wenger told reporters on Friday.

"He is completely committed to the club. He is focused on getting results."

Arsenal take on Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night in their third Premier League match of the season. The Gunners beat Brendan Rodgers's side 4-1 in the corresponding fixture last season and Wenger is keen for a repeat this term.

The Frenchman remarked: "We had a very convincing performance last season. Everything clicked on the night and it was a very good game."

Meanwhile, Alexis Sanchez could be in line to complete 90 minutes for the first time this season.

The Chilean returned late to pre-season after the Copa America, playing as a substitute in the Gunners' opening-day defeat by West Ham before registering 75 minutes in their 2-1 win at Crystal Palace last Sunday.

"I think, on Monday night, he will not be far from 100 per cent," Wenger said. "It's surprising because, when he doesn't have the fitness, he has the mental resources."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

No transfer request from Stones, insists Martinez

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is adamant that defender John Stones has not handed in a transfer request to force through a move to Chelsea, despite reports.

Goal understands that the Blues expect to succeed in a protracted pursuit of the centre-back and Stones has been claimed to be ready to push through a deal.

Martinez, though, insists that no such agitation has been taking place and will field the youngster against Manchester City.

"There has been no such situation [of Stones handing in a transfer request]," the Spaniard told reporters. Asked if he had concerns about selecting the defender against City, he replied: "Not at all, no.

"I have said all along that I don't think it's healthy when you gave got games when we have got the transfer window open because these kinds of discussion are wrong. We should be talking about the game this weekend.

"The latest [on Stones] is the same [as before], it has been the hot topic of the window and is going to be a subject highlighted every day.

"For us, the focus is the games and Manchester City at the weekend. In my eyes, that is the sharpest team in the league; our focus is to prepare as well as we can.

"Any individual matters are not my concern [right now]."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Persie confident Fenerbahce will reach Europa League group stage

Fenerbahce striker Robin van Persie believes his first goal for the club has set the Turkish side on their way to the Europa League group stages.

The Dutchman opened his Fener account in the play-off first leg against Atromitos on Thursday, angling home a 90-minute header to send his side back to Istanbul with a slender advantage.

Having crashed out of qualifying for the Champions League at the third qualifying round, Van Persie is confident Fener can finish the job this time and reach the next stage of the continental competition.

"It's definitely a good result but I think it is open until the end," he told reporters.

"To get that one goal I think is very important, it's a great result. We need to know that, while we are in a good condition, it's only halfway."

The former Manchester United man - who completed a big-money switch to Turkey in this summer - also brushed off claims he fouled his marker in the build-up to the winner.

"I used my body and my shoulder. Sometimes you need to use your body in a smart way," Van Persie added.

"I think the referee made the right decision. There was no foul, I used my body.

"I would say they are a dangerous team. Four or five times we had the opportunity in the first half but could not take them.

"It was an important goal for us to get. We kept going until the end of the match and, obviously we were a little bit lucky, but we got our chance."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bacca: I'm like cold-blooded Ronaldo

AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca has compared his style to that of the “cold-blooded and powerful” Brazil legend Ronaldo.

Ronaldo was past his World Cup-winning peak when he first laced up his boots for the Rossoneri in February 2007, and he only lasted a little over a year at San Siro before he was released following a cruciate ligament knee injury in 2008.

However, Bacca, who joined Milan for €30 million from Sevilla this summer, praised his fellow South American for the way he used to terrorise defences in his pomp.

"Ronaldo fascinates me," the Colombian striker told Corriere dello Sport. "Unfortunately, he was unlucky and had to end his career too soon. But I’m perhaps similar to him in my cold-bloodedness.

"Ronaldo was cold, powerful and a great finisher. He would do things that you didn’t expect. He would do a great trick to break free and score."

Bacca also discussed his decision to “sacrifice” Champions League football to play for Rossoneri, with Sevilla having earned a place in the continent's top club competition by winning the Europa League last season.

"Sevilla are a great team, but Milan are a top team - one of the absolute best. I understand the difference now," the 28-year-old added.

"It’s true that I gave up on the Champions League in order to join Milan, but it’s only for a year. My desire to join Milan was so strong that I didn't mind making this sacrifice.

"I wanted to join a top team and I only have to wait a year to play in the Champions League. I hope to win it with Milan. I joined them because of the great opportunity to win the Scudetto and to get back into the Champions League."

Milan fired Filippo Inzaghi as head coach after a 10th-place finish in 2014-15, hiring Sampdoria boss Sinisa Mihajlovic as his replacement.

They kicked off their season with a 2-0 win over Perugia in the Coppa Italia on Monday and start their Serie A campaign this Sunday with a visit to Fiorentina, who finished fourth last campaign.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wilshere has 'no chance' for England qualifiers, says Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger does not expect Jack Wilshere to be fit in time for England's Euro 2016 qualifiers against San Marino and Switzerland in September.

The midfielder is yet to feature this season, having suffered a hairline crack to his left fibula during training earlier in August.

Wilshere scored twice in the Three Lions' 3-2 win over Slovenia in June, with Roy Hodgson's unbeaten side sitting top of Group E, but he looks set to miss the next two matches, in which England could secure a spot at the tournament.

"We believe that is too optimistic to think that he will be available for England," Wenger told the press.

"After the international break, he has a chance but, beforehand, no chance."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: Pedro isn't at Chelsea for a holiday

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has hailed his side's capture of Pedro, labelling him one of the world's best forwards, and says he is encouraged by the Spain international's desire to test himself away from the comforts of Barcelona.

The Blues hijacked Manchester United's move for the Spain international, wrapping up a €30 million deal on Thursday as Mourinho ramps up his recruitment drive in the wake of a disappointing start to their Premier League title defence.

Chelsea have also added full-back Baba Rahman from Augsburg but it is Pedro's capture that has especially delighted the Portuguese coach, with Mourinho believing that his new recruit can now step out of the shadows of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez to prove his class.

"This week we got a very good young left-back that we need with potential and we got one of the best attacking players in the world," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

"He's a player with lots of experience and with something I really like very much, which is the desire to leave a giant club, the desire to leave one of the best clubs in the world.

"For a player like him, loved in the club, he loves the club, and he wants to leave because he wants something more for his career, I think is an evident sign of ambition.

"He wants to play every game. For many years he won everything playing with Messi, with [Andres] Iniesta, with all these stars but he wants more and I'm really happy with that kind of attitude. He comes to play, to win, to enjoy... not on holiday. So I'm really happy."

Chelsea's swoop for Pedro came as a blow to title rivals Manchester United but Mourinho denied signing the winger purely to frustrate his opponents.

"I only want to beat Man United on the pitch if it's possible," he continued. "I don't even want to go in that direction.

"Our job here is not to try to get a player another club wants. Our job is try to get the players we think are good for us."

Asked about his side's pursuit of Everton defender John Stones or a centre-back in general, the Portguese revealed he is open to "opportunities" before the close of the transfer window on September 1.

"Transfer window or opportunity window, we can call it what you want but I think, in this moment more than ever, in these last two weeks, I call it opportunity window," he declared.

"[It] depends on the opportunities. Depends, can you do something you really believe you cannot afford to miss out to do? Let's see."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Bruyne departure would hit Wolfsburg hard - Dost

Bas Dost fears Wolfsburg's hopes of challenging Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title this season rest on Kevin De Bruyne 's decision to stay or join Manchester City .

Belgian attacking midfielder De Bruyne scored 16 goals and made 28 assists in 2014-15 as Dieter Hecking's men finished runners-up in the German top flight last term before then winning the DFB-Pokal.

Dost, whose goals in the latter half of the previous campaign were pivotal in their second-placed finish, has no doubts that Wolfsburg would be weakened if De Bruyne seals his proposed £50 million move to Manchester.

"Kevin is immensely important," the Dutch striker told Goal . "He has given us countless assists and he's a real team player. He will never shoot when he sees a man in a better position.

"I like those players, the sort who always think of the team. He is an outstanding player and therefore I hope that he will stay.

"If Kevin should go this summer, we will automatically be weaker as a team. He is our most important player. But we can play a strong season even without Kevin."

De Bruyne already has one goal and three assists in the three competitive matches he has played in 2015-16.

Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs is adamant that the 24-year-old will play on Saturday against Koln.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pepe signs new Real Madrid deal

Real Madrid defender Pepe has committed himself to the club by signing a contract that will expire in 2017.

The Portugal international had entered the final year of his deal and, after Sergio Ramos penned an extension earlier this week, the club have moved to tie down another long-term servant.

Pepe, who joined the Santiago Bernabeu side from Porto in 2007, remains a key part of the side, having featured in 27 Liga games last term.The 32-year-old has won two league and Copa del Rey titles, and he has lifted the Champions League once with the Santiago Bernabeu club.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola: Much more to come from Douglas Costa

Pep Guardiola says Bayern Munich can expect great things from Douglas Costa after the winger's bright start to life at the Bundesliga champions.

The Bavarian side started their league campaign with a 5-0 win over Hamburg, with the Brazilian attacker the star of the show as he scored one and set up another in Franck Ribery's absence.

Costa signed for Bayern this summer from Shakhtar Donetsk for €30 million and Guardiola insists there is much more to come from him.

"This is just the beginning," the Spaniard told reporters. "So far Costa has done well. However, we did not sign him just for one week, but for four years."

The former Barcelona coach also discussed Dante, who was left out of last week's squad and youngsters Gaudino, Sinan Kurt and Julian Green, who remain in the reserves.

"All the players want to play, but I have to take the decisions to not let them play. That is my only problem.

"Young players have to play. It is not good if they just training with the senior team. They will train with us if we need them. Otherwise they have to be with the reserves. For now I think they are in the right place."

Guardiola faced criticism from Ottmar Hitzfeld, who said Bayern are lacking a "German mentality", a point that does not bother the current coach.

"I don't have a German mentality," he added. "I am Catalan. But I will do my best for this club to win the treble like Jupp Heynckes did.

"When Hitzfeld won it, there were four German players on the pitch at the Champions League final. Today we have more German internationals here."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Manchester United fell asleep in Pedro chase'

Manchester United "fell asleep" while Chelsea moved "like a lightning bolt" to sign Pedro from Barcelona, according to the spokesman for the agency that represents the 28-year-old.

The Blues announced the €30 million signing of Pedro on Thursday, having capitalised on United's unwillingness to match Barcelona's asking price with a late bid for the unsettled winger.

United have since moved to distance themselves from suggestions of another public humiliation in the transfer market for executive vice chairman Ed Woodward, with boss Louis van Gaal on Friday claiming that the media exaggerated his level of interest in signing Pedro.

But Antonio Sanz insists it was United's indecision that cost them dearly in pursuit of the 28-year-old, comparing the speed of discussions with Chelsea to a "whirlwind".

"Maybe Manchester United fell asleep," Sanz told Radio Club Tenerife. "The negotiation with Chelsea was like a lightning bolt.

""It is common knowledge that United were in the bidding for Pedro, but Chelsea were faster and within 24 hours reached an agreement with the club. It was a whirlwind."

At his Friday press conference Jose Mourinho hailed Pedro as "one of the best attacking players in the world" and Sanz has no doubt that his agency's client will shine in England.

"Pedro is going to have a very good year and is going to be one of the sensations of the Premier League," he declared.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Otamendi must wait for Manchester City debut, insists Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini has warned new signing Nicolas Otamendi that the impressive form of Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala means he will have to work hard to earn his Manchester City debut.

Otamendi completed a €45 million (£31.7m) move to the Etihad Stadium on Thursday and immediately insisted that he is relishing the prospect of competing with City's established centre-backs for a regular spot in Pellegrini's starting XI.

But the Chilean insists that Kompany and Mangala - who have kept back-to-back clean sheets in comprehensive victories over West Brom and Chelsea - have done nothing to merit being dropped in favour of Otamendi just yet.

"He [Otamendi] is a very good player who is improving," Pellegrini told reporters. "Last season with Valencia he made a very good season so he is improving every year, and he's a good header [of the ball] which I think is a good thing in England.

"[But] the way we are playing it's impossible to move Kompany and Mangala out of their positions. We are in a good moment, we haven't conceded a goal so we will continue to play with the same defence."

Otamendi's arrival could see fellow centre back Jason Denayer depart City on loan again - the Belgian spent last season with Celtic and Marseille are reported to be interested in acquiring his services this term.

Pellegrini added: "We'll talk with him and his agent. He improved a lot last year at Celtic, we will see now where he will go or if he stays here, we will decide that in the next couple of weeks."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Koeman: Southampton will not sell Wanyama and Mane

Ronald Koeman has dismissed speculation regarding the futures of Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mane at Southampton.

Tottenham are thought to be preparing a bid for midfielder Wanyama, while reports of Manchester United's interest in Mane surfaced as it emerged that Chelsea had beaten the Red Devils to the signing of Pedro.

But Koeman insisted winger Mane would not be leaving St Mary's Stadium following Southampton's 1-1 Europa League draw with Midtjylland on Thursday.

And speaking ahead of their Premier League clash with Watford at Vicarage Road on Sunday, Koeman also addressed the reports surrounding Wanyama, telling reporters: "I don't know if he is really a target for Tottenham. There is no bid and he is not for sale."

On Mane, Koeman added: "He wants to stay. He showed yesterday [Thursday] what he likes to do, to stay, and he knows that there is no bid for the player.

"His agent knows, he knows, the club knows, I know - everybody knows."

Koeman has previously spoken about his plans to bring another defender to St Mary's before the end of the transfer window but when asked for the status of the search, he replied: "No there is not an update. We need time for that."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal defends Woodward after Pedro U-turn

Louis van Gaal says he still has complete faith in executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, despite Manchester United having missed out on another key target after Pedro joined Chelsea.

The Old Trafford chief had flown to Barcelona to seal a deal earlier this week but was beaten to the winger's signature by the Premier League champions, while they also missed out on Manchester City new-boy Nicolas Otamendi and Sergio Ramos, who signed a new contract with Real Madrid.

"No-one should doubt Ed Woodward," he told reporters. "I have the idea you want to separate Ed Woodward with me. Never. Never, because every day I am updated by him and I trust him."

Van Gaal refused to be drawn on the reasons why Pedro's move to Old Trafford broke down amid conflicting rumours surrounding the transfer saga, with some reports suggesting the Red Devils had not been snubbed, but actually pulled the plug on the deal themselves.

"I cannot answer these questions [on Pedro], you know that," Van Gaal continued. "I have said it before, that what we are doing is a process.


"In that process we make decisions and I think when we wanted Pedro, it was not any problem. That is because there was a clause in his contract, so it was the easiest transfer.

"You can write what you want, but we cannot say what we want, that is the difference."

The Dutchman also suggested his own interest in the player had been exaggerated in the media, despite having previously admitted to being a big fan of the former Barcelona star.

He added: "I have the responsibility of protecting the interests of my club and my players.

"If you ask me if Pedro is fitting the profile [of United], I cannot lie, I say yes, but I didn’t say I am interested in the player. That is the difference.

"He is fast and he is creative. That is why I understand the question [about whether he fits the profile]."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

"If you ask me if Pedro is fitting the profile [of United], I cannot lie, I say yes, but I didn’t say I am interested in the player. That is the difference.

Mona kiyanawanawada mandaKalin kiyala thibba Pedro gana interest 1kak thiyanawa kiyala.Dan miss unama kiyanawa wena deyak

Kohomahari LVG & Woodward apita onama karana deals 2kak nathi karagattha​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Thauvin not fazed by Newcastle price tag

Florian Thauvin insists he feels no pressure to live up to the fee Newcastle forked out to sign him from Marseille.

Newcastle are believed to have paid the Ligue 1 club £13 million for the winger, while also allowing former Montpellier star Remy Cabella to move in the opposite direction on a season-long loan.

France Under-21 international Thauvin will be expected to hit the ground running at St James' Park to justify the outlay and he says he is excited by the challenge of playing in the Premier League.

"It's not a problem for me to have such a high price tag. I am a footballer and that's my passion and my job," he told the club's official website.

"It's always been my dream to be a footballer in the Premier League, and I'm happy to be here and do that."

Thauvin is hopeful of making an immediate impact for Newcastle, but admits it may take time for him to get used to the speed of the Premier League.

"The Premier League is well known for being a very physical league," he added. "It's a bit different to France. It's not something that concerns me, although maybe I'll have to take a bit of time to get used to it. Once I do, I'll be fine.

"St James' Park is a magnificent stadium, a magnificent ground and they are a massive team too in the Premier League, so it's always an honour and a pleasure to be able to play in such places.

"I did pre-season at Marseille, played in all the friendly games - I even started the season out there, so if the coach needs me, I am there."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea Unveil 3rd Kit for 2015/16 Season

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League 2015.08.22 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2015.08.22 Fixtures

Manchester United Vs Newcastle United

Crystal Palace Vs Aston Villa

Leicester City Vs Tottenham

Norwich City Vs Stoke City

Sunderland Vs Swansea

West Ham Vs Bournemouth

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

La Liga 2015.08.22 Fixtures

La Liga 2015.08.22 Fixtures

Deportivo Vs Real Sociedad

Espanyol Vs Getafe

Atletico Madrid Vs Las Palmas

Rayo Vallecano Vs Valencia
​