..::Football III::..

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Messi should win Ballon d'Or - Bartomeu

Lionel Messi is the world's best player and deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or, according to Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Messi was named Uefa Player of the Year for the second time following a final vote during the Champions League draw in Monaco on Thursday.

The 28-year-old broke Telmo Zarra's record for La Liga goals scored in the 2014-15 campaign and went on to find the back of the net 58 times in all competitions.

Bartomeu backed the Argentina captain to add a prestigious fourth Ballon d'Or to his collection of honours, having been beaten to the award by Cristiano Ronaldo in the past two years.

"Lionel Messi is the best player in the world and we know that he desires, he works, he makes a lot of effort in all the matches and his confidence is incredible," Bartomeu said.

"That's why they give him a trophy like the best player of Europe. As for the Ballon d'Or, well, Leo Messi is the best player in the world so it's normal that he wins everything."

Bartomeu lauded Messi for his role in Barca's successful 2014-15 campaign, which included 43 league goals, 10 in the Champions League and five in the Copa del Rey.

The Blaugrana supremo now hopes that the European champions can add the Club World Cup to their trophy cabinet in December.

"The important thing is the feature of Leo Messi. He's doing this year an incredible season," Bartomeu said.

"We won of course the Copa del Rey, Liga, the Champions League and the European Super Cup. And now we have the Club World Cup and I hope we can win this and have five titles this year."

 

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only thing city fans can be happy about the ucl draw is the distance the English clubs must travel (miles):
Chelsea = 4340
Man Utd = 2475
Arsenal = 2888
Man City = 2255 lol

 

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Arsenal lata me parath tough draw 1k.habai Bayern la group stage walama set una 1ka hodai.
EPL teams walin Chelsea la ta thamai easy draw 1k set wela thienne.
City la me parath group of death
group A & E walath hoda gamek yayi

Ow bro CITY lage group 1ke thamai pattama gemak yanne & mata hithenne Manchester United group 1kath lesi wena 1kak nahaWolfsburgs,CSKA,PSV unath tough gemak denna wei.

Chelsea lage group 1ke nam Porto thamai gemak thiyenne
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Wenger: Coquelin is the best defensive midfielder in Europe

“Coquelin has the best defensive statistics and numbers in Europe. You watch football like I watch football. I don’t know what people see. Defensively, Coquelin is doing a great job,” he told reporters.

“Look, I am not against opinion. People can say they don’t think Arsenal is good enough. I accept that. But it is dangerous to say 'He will never be a player’ — especially when the comment has come from people in football.

“It doesn’t annoy me, but what is a concern is that it puts pressure on players. I believe that we are in a football job.

"People who have been in the game, I love that they go on television. But I would like them to help people to love football even more.”

Coquelin ge defensive statistics hodai. eth match 50k 60k(full season 1k) Coquelin play karai kiyala hithanna baene.thawa DM kenek one

 

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Ow bro CITY lage group 1ke thamai pattama gemak yanne & mata hithenne Manchester United group 1kath lesi wena 1kak nahaWolfsburgs,CSKA,PSV unath tough gemak denna wei.

Chelsea lage group 1ke nam Porto thamai gemak thiyenne
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ow machan.CSKA,Wolfsburgs kohomath lesi nae.
PSV lage Depay & Wijnaldum transfer una nisa team 1ka tikak weak

 

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Borussia Dortmund 7-2 Odd (agg 11-5): Reus runs riot in BVB rout

 

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Wenger hits back at Gary Neville & Carragher over Arsenal criticism

Arsene Wenger has hit back at criticism of his Arsenal side from Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, insisting that football pundits should focus on educating their viewers instead of allowing personal opinion to cloud their analysis.

Neville and Carragher were both damning of the Gunners on Sky Sports during Monday's goalless draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, with Neville claiming it was "naive or arrogant" of Wenger to believe he can win the Premier League title with flair players alone.

Wenger believes too many pundits give their own views rather than basing their conclusions on matches and says they should focus on enlightening their viewers about what happens on the pitch.

“The only thing I want is that, when people have opinions, it is documented and worked-out before - especially when it is football specialists," the Arsenal boss told reporters. “It is not just about talking.

"I accept you can be right and I can be wrong, but what you do not want is just an opinion that comes out just because you feel like that. When I watch sometimes, the guy doesn’t talk about the game - he tells you his life and what he thinks about football.

“But I like to know that Schneiderlin passed to Carrick. Sometimes, I watch games and at the end I don’t know the players who have played on the pitch because the guys don’t comment on the game any more.

“The first mission is to educate people. Yes, that is fantastic because the guy who has played can explain things to the guy who has not played at the top level. It can help them understand and get people to really love the game.

“That, for me, is the first mission. To also come out and say, ‘Oh yes, this game is great.’ Some do it very well but the other way, I don’t like so much.

“I accept critics, I think I have shown you over 20 years that I cannot solve the lot but I want people to educate and get people to love the game.”

 

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Ibrahimovic crashes Malmo website ahead of Champions League return

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's return to Malmo emerged as one of the more endearing sub-plots of the Champions League group-stage draw - and it's already impacting upon the Swedish club.

Shortly after Malmo - who saw off Scottish champions Celtic to reach the draw on Thursday - were grouped with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Shakhtar Donetsk, the club's official website crashed as a result of an overload of users desperate for news on when they can expect Ibra to visit with the French champions.

"There was a lot of pressure on it [the website] just after the draw was made," Malmo's head of communications, Peter Ahlander, told Reuters with the site still struggling to load promptly some 12 hours after the draw was completed.

Ibrahimovic himself had earlier posted a message on his official Facebook account to say it was "a dream" to return to his old stomping ground.

Malmo sporting director Daniel Andersson said after the draw that the whole squad would benefit from facing Zlatan and PSG.

"Clearly, that will be the main topic. It'll be great if he comes. The boys will be tested agains the best possible opposition," Andersson said.

Ibrahimovic, who was born in Malmo and began his professional career with the current Swedish champions, is still looking to win his first Champions League title.

 

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Montolivo: No issues with Mihajlovic

Riccardo Montolivo admits he is unhappy not to have played for AC Milan this season but has rejected suggestions of an early fall-out with new coach Sinisa Mihajlovic.

Montolivo was an unused substitute in Milan's 2-0 defeat at Fiorentina in their Serie A opener last week and the 30-year-old also watched from the bench as the Rossoneri defeated Perugia in the Coppa Italia on August 17.

But the 58-cap Italy international insists he has no issue with Mihajlovic as Milan prepare to host Empoli on Saturday.

"I am proud to be the Milan captain," Montolivo told Milan Channel.

"I cannot be happy about not playing the first league match of the season, but I am always training in better shape and I will do everything to make it hard for the coach.

"I respect the coach's choices. Even if I don't play, the good of the team comes first."

Milan are seeking a Champions League return after a desperately disappointing 10th-placed finish last season.

And Montolivo has stressed the importance of bouncing back from their opening day reverse.

"We're working hard to get back on track after Florence. It will not be easy against Empoli, because there are no easy games. Tactically speaking, we are the best in the world in Italy, it is never easy.

"Targets? You don’t talk about objectives, you reach them. We will see in a few months how competitive we can be."

 

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Chelsea targeting 'China's Sergio Ramos'

China international defender Zhang Linpeng has claimed he is on his way to Chelsea before the end of the European transfer window.

The 26-year-old, who is currently at Chinese Super League (CSL) champions Guangzhou Evergrande, is excited that his dream of "five or six years" of playing in the Premier League is nearing realisation and should be completed before the close of the window on September 1.

While Zhang is expected to go on loan initially, Chinese media sources are reporting the 26-year-old right-back - who has been compared to Sergio Ramos and nicknamed 'Zhangmos' in his homeland - could be a future replacement for Branislav Ivanovic.

"I'm very happy and very excited to finally have this formal invitation," Zhang told Chinese newspaper Titan Sports.

"I've worked hard and waited these five-six years for my dream of playing overseas, and finally have recognition from the English Premier League.

"Although I'm unable to play Premier League directly, I believe [Chelsea] will have the most professional arrangements regarding my permit. I have no worries at all about the negotiations."

Zhang - who can play both at full-back and in the centre of defence - has won four straight CSL titles with Evergrande, as well as the 2013 AFC Champions League, and has been described by former coach Marcello Lippi as "the best Chinese footballer in the Chinese Super League".

 

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Messi: I never said I'd quit Argentina

Lionel Messi has hit out at reports he was set to take a break from international football after failing to lift the Copa America with Argentina earlier this year.

The Barcelona star faced intense criticism from some in the local media after the Albiceleste captain saw his side go down to hosts Chile on penalties in the final, with some going as far as suggesting he take extended leave from the national team.

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino backed the Barcelona forward but admitted he himself would have walked away were he subject to the sort of abuse that was directed at Messi.

"I never said that I wasn't going to play any longer with the national team," Messi told ESPN Radio.

"[The media] can't kill me any more than they already have.

"I am used to them saying these types of things. Now we have friendlies and as long as the coach calls me up I am going to continue to be present."

Messi, 28, was included in Martino's squad to face Bolivia and Mexico in the United States next month.

The four-time Ballon d’Or winner has hit 46 goals in 103 internationals, leaving him just 10 strikes behind his country's all-time top goalscorer, Gabriel Batistuta.

Messi has claimed an Olympic Gold medal and an Under-20 World Cup title but Argentina are without a major trophy at senior level since Copa America 1993.

 

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Cudicini: Arsenal goalkeeper Cech is one of the best

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini has hailed ex-Blues team-mate Petr Cech and the positive impact he has made since arriving at Arsenal.

The experienced Czech made the move to north London during the close-season and, after a rocky start, showed his class to keep a clean sheet against Liverpool on Monday.

And Cudicini, who served as Cech's understudy for a spell at Stamford Bridge, believes the 33-year-old still has plenty to offer Arsene Wenger.

"He's a very experienced goalkeeper both in Europe and the Premier League," the Italian told Omnisport. "He's been one of the best goalkeepers now for around 10 years and he still is. He can definitely give confidence to the team."He did very well on Monday against Liverpool and he's already got the first trophy with Arsenal so obviously he's a great player for them."

Cech's place as understudy to Thibaut Courtois under Jose Mourinho has been taken by former Stoke City man Asmir Begovic, who impressed even as Chelsea were swept aside 3-0 by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.Courtois, sent off in the opening-day draw with Swansea, is now back from suspension, but Cuducini feels Begovic has proven his worth.

"You could see after the first game, he did very well," the Italian added. "Even [in the defeat] against Manchester City where it wasn't the best result for the team he did his job well."He offers good competition and is a very good player for the team."

 

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Official: Tottenham sign Son

Tottenham have completed the signing of forward Heung-Min Son from Bayer Leverkusen subject to international clearance.

The South Korea international has signed a five-year contract with the north Londoners and will wear the No.7 shirt.

“I’m a player who really loves football,” Son told Tottenham’s official website. “I learned the game under my father who was a football coach in my school.
“I’m looking forward to going there & performing for the Spurs fans as soon as possible.”

Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller confirmed on Wednesday that Son had flown to London to undergo a medical ahead of a move believed to be worth around £22 million, while team-mate Hakan Calhanoglu claimed the South Korea international had been "badly advised" over the transfer.

Son now becomes Spurs' fifth summer signing of a relatively quiet window, joining Clinton N'Jie, Kieran Trippier and Kevin Wimmer at White Hart Lane.

The South Korea international joined Leverkusen from Hamburg in the summer of 2013 and made 87 appearances in all competitions over two seasons, scoring 29 goals.

It is not yet clear whether Tottenham's signing of Son will end their pursuit of West Brom striker Saido Berahino, with Spurs having seen a £22m bid for the England Under-21 international rejected on Tuesday.

 

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Heung-Min Son ge Leverskusen record 1ka pattahoda sign 1kak wei Tottenham lata​

 

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Blow for Manchester City as Bony suffers injury

Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony will miss Saturday's clash with Watford after sharing a picture of himself on crutches.

Bony has featured in all three of City's Premier League matches this season but has not started since the 3-0 opening-day defeat of West Brom.

And it appears the Ivorian will not be able to feature for City again at least until after the international break after posting a picture of his left leg in a medical boot.

"Bony has a cut on his leg and will not play tomorrow, but I think he will be back after international break," boss Manuel Pellegrini told reporters at his press conference on Friday.

Bony moved to the Etihad Stadium from Swansea City in a £28 million deal in January. The Ivorian made a combined 30 Premier League appearances for the two clubs last season, scoring 11 goals.

 

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Mancini: I know nothing about Perisic - but Inter want another forward

Inter coach Roberto Mancini has refused to be drawn on speculation that Inter are close to wrapping up a deal for Wolfsburg winger Ivan Perisic.

The Nerazzurri have been chasing the Croatia international all summer but have thus far been unable to thrash out a deal with the Bundesliga club.

Reports in Italy this week suggest Wolfsburg have finally agreed to let the former Borussia Dortmund man make the switch to Serie A, but Mancini says he is unaware of any progress having been made.

"I haven't heard anything about Ivan Perisic," Mancini told a press conference.

"We only finished training a short while ago and nobody has told me anything. We should be concentrating on the game against Carpi.

"Unfortunately the transfer window is open until Monday and this can be annoying for a lot of clubs.

"We'll see if we get another player up front, we're working on it and there are a lot of cards on the table. It's difficult to say if anything will come through, right now we just don't know what's going to happen."

Perisic, 26, is reported to be closing in on a loan move to San Siro, with an obligation for the Italians to make the deal permanent at the end of the season for a total fee of around €20 million.

Inter have had to work within the limitations of Financial Fair Play but freed up some funds this month with the sale of Mateo Kovacic to Real Madrid, as well as Xherdan Shaqiri's move to Stoke City.

Mancini was desperate to rebuild the squad after a disappointing eighth-placed finish in Serie A last season, and have already added Jeison Murillo, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Stevan Jovetic, Miranda and Martin Montoya.

 

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Kurzawa vows to challenge Maxwell for PSG starting spot

New Paris Saint-Germain signing Layvin Kurzawa is confident he can oust Maxwell from Lauren Blanc's starting line-up and become the club's first-choice left-back.

The France international joined the capital club in a deal reported to be worth around €25 million from Ligue 1 rivals Monaco this week.And the 22-year-old is confident Parc des Princes is the best venue to continue his development.

"I'll do my best to play. Between Maxwell and me, the best player will start. But I want to have playing time here," Kurzawa told a press conference.

"I knew there would be strong competition. I have to be the best, and respect Maxwell, who is a great professional and who I'm sure will help me improve."I'm not in danger [of stalling] at PSG. I never thought about looking at any other club. I was always fixed on PSG. To be here is a dream for me."

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi also hinted at the French champions' interest in Fabio Coentrao, admitting the club were in negotiations with Real Madrid for the Portugal international, who will now replace Kurzawa at Monaco after agreeing a loan move to the principality."I want to thank the Real Madrid because we were negotiating for a player," Al-Khelaifi said.

"But Kurzawa was our number one choice."He is our last purchase [of the transfer window]. We have a good team. We are ready to achieve our objectives for the season."

 

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De Gea called up to Spain squad

David de Gea has been called up to the Spain squad for the Euro 2016 qualifiers next month, despite being frozen out of the Manchester United side.

De Gea has not featured for the Red Devils since midway through their pre-season preparations, with manager Louis van Gaal refusing to field the goalkeeper while speculation persists over a transfer to Real Madrid.

However, the 24-year-old has been handed a spot in Vicente del Bosque's squad to face Macedonia and Slovakia, along with United team-mate Juan Mata.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa also earns a place after regaining full fitness, but Juventus forward Alvaro Morata has been overlooked.

"We are very confident in Diego Costa, that's why he is here," Del Bosque said to reporters.

"Thiago excites us, we think he'll be our future.

"[Cesar] Azpilicueta is getting continuity in the starting XI, we trust him. We can use him as central or wide player.

"Mata has been with us for almost forever. He's here for the competition in the team."

Spain host Slovakia on September 5 before facing Macedonia away three days later.

Spain squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David de Gea (Manchester United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla)

Defenders: Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos (both Real Madrid), Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra (both Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Jordi Alba (Barcelon), Bernat (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: Koke (Atletico Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Manchester United), David Silva (Manchester City), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid)

Forwards: Vitolo (Sevilla), Pedro (Chelsea), Paco Alcacer (Valencia), Diego Costa (Chelsea)

 

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Benitez: There's nothing personal with James

Real Madrid head coach Rafael Benitez insists his decision to omit James Rodriguez from his starting XI for the opening fixture of the Liga season was purely tactical.

The Colombian was limited to 34 minutes from the bench as Madrid were held to a goalless draw at Sporting Gijon, but tweeted this week that he felt "better than ever".

And Benitez has played down reports of a spat between the pair, stressing James' importance to the side.

"James is a great player," he told a news conference. "He's fundamental, the same as Isco and his other team-mates.

"If James didn't play it was due to a technical decision and not a personal matter.

"James is a very good player. He will be key for us and I will decide tomorrow who will play."

Benitez's men face Real Betis on Saturday and striker Karim Benzema could be set to make his return following a hamstring problem.

"Benzema doesn't have the same match practice as his team-mates," added Benitez. "We'll see how many minutes he can play.

"Benzema is a great player and we need him to have continuity, he is fundamental for us in attack."

 

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Schmeichel calls on Real Madrid target De Gea to re-sign with Manchester United

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has appealed to David de Gea to sign a new deal at the club, with his potential transfer to Real Madrid no closer to being finalised.

The De Gea saga is expected to drag on until deadline day as United and Real struggle to come to an agreement for the unsettled goalkeeper, who is yet to feature under manager Louis van Gaal this term.

Van Gaal insists De Gea will not be sold before the window shuts, despite the 24-year-old's contract expiring at the end of the season.

Schmeichel is fed up with the situation and wants De Gea to stay in Manchester this season and beyond.

"I hope that we'll see him. I hope that some kind of resolution is found within the next couple of days," the 51-year-old Dane told Sky Sports News.

"I would love David de Gea to commit to Manchester United, you know, and sign a new five-year contract. He has been absolutely outstanding in the last two seasons."

Schmeichel, who also had Premier League spells with Aston Villa and Manchester City, also understands why a move to the Bernabeu would appeal to De Gea.

"But I also understand when Real Madrid – who are from his home town – when they come calling, of course you want to go back there," he added.

"I think everyone would think like that so I've got great understanding. I'm very, very thankful for what he's done for Manchester United and I would hold nothing against him if he moves on.

"But I want the situation to be resolved. I think it's an absolute joke that it's carried on into the season."