..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

'Valdes will leave Manchester United in January'

Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes will leave Old Trafford in January, according to his agent Gines Carvajal.

The Spain international has not featured for the Red Devils this season after falling out with manager Louis van Gaal over his refusal to play in certain Under-21 matches during the 2014-15 campaign.

He has since been linked to the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United following injuries to their own goalkeepers, and Carvajal confimed his client will be on the move during the next transfer window.

"He needs to go to a place he feels is right for him," he told Radio Marca. "He won't be coming to Spain, unless he decides otherwise.

"It is obvious he must leave in January, and we are looking to find a move that he likes."

Valdes was a reported target of Valencia over the summer, and Carvajal confirmed the Liga side did enquire about his services.

However, he also claimed that it would be difficult for his client to return to Spain having spent the first 14 years of his career with Barcelona.

"He had the option of coming to Valencia in the summer and did not want to," he confirmed.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fifa investigating Mangala transfer

Eliaquim Mangala's transfer to Manchester City from Porto last year is being investigated by Fifa amid suggestions the switch contravened third-party ownership rules.

Mangala moved to the Etihad Stadium from the Primeira Liga side in August last year - Porto receiving €30.5million for their 56.67 per cent of the player's rights.

While third-party ownership was banned by Fifa in May, private equity fund Doyen Sports had invested in Mangala prior to his departure for England.

"We are looking into this," a Fifa spokesperson told Omnisport when asked about the transfer.

Third-party ownership was particularly common in Portugal, with Doyen having also invested in Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo - formerly of Sporting CP.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo: I'm a striker now

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo says he is now a striker after reflecting on his transition from a winger to a "penalty-box player".

The 30-year-old won a record fourth Golden Shoe after scoring 48 goals in La Liga last season and credits his success in front of goal to a subtle positional shift.

He said to Marca: "I'm different now, I'm more a penalty-box player, not so much on the wing, because you score more goals from there so I changed my position slightly.

"It's been a natural change and it's certainly kept me happy."Ronaldo also admitted he is desperate to win a trophy with Portugal after helping his nation secure a place at Euro 2016.

"At club and individual level I've won everything, but I'm missing an international title," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp's assistant Buvac arrives in Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp’s trusted assistant Zeljko Buvac has arrived in Liverpool and will get straight to work.

The 54-year-old, who the German manager refers to as “his brain,” will be part of Wednesday afternoon’s training session at Melwood. The workout is scheduled for 4pm.

Buvac has been Klopp’s right-hand man at both Mainz and Borussia Dortmund. The duo also played together at the former for three years.

Peter Krawietz, another important ally to the Reds boss, has already been assessing the squad in West Derby. On his assistants, Klopp explained to the club’s official website: “They are football maniacs. They work pretty hard and they are my perfect partners in this job, because as a manager you always have to make decisions and always have to think about so many different things.

“In my opinion, it’s very important that you have somebody you can talk to. We can talk about everything. I make the decisions, of course, but I need very good people around me.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sorry Cristiano, Forlan says Scholes is the best he’s ever played with

Diego Forlan has surprisingly revealed that Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is the best player he’s ever shared a locker room with.

The Uruguayan has played alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez, Javier Zanetti, Juan Roman Riquelme and Sergio Aguero, but none impressed him as much as United’s diminutive midfielder.

The pair played together for two-and-a-half seasons before Forlan swapped Old Trafford for Villarreal in 2004, having won the Premier League in his final season.

Scholes obviously made a big impression on the 36-year-old, who, when asked to name the best team-mate he has ever had by Fox Sports Radio, promptly replied: “Paul Scholes”.

Expanding on his answer, he recalled: “The ginger fella was 30 metres from goal, he grabbed [the ball] and hit it at goal like it was nothing, leaving everyone surprised.”

Forlan is not the first footballing icon to praise Scholes’s ability, with Xavi, Zinedine Zidane, Edgar Davids and Thierry Henry all citing him as one of the very best players they have ever faced.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid must decide Jese future, says agent

Real Madrid must be clear with their plans for attacker Jese Rodriguez, the player's agent has said.

The 22-year-old has found first-team opportunities difficult to come by under Rafael Benitez this season and has been linked with a move in January, with Inter reportedly keen on his signature.

Agent Gines Carvajal admitted his client is becoming increasingly frustrated and called on Real to give him more chances in the side or permit the player to leave.

"He has to play more, playing more helps to raise the morale of the players. It's very complicated and so the club will have to make a decision," he told Radio Marca.

"He's good, he's training well, he's strong, but when he doesn't play... we see that others are uncomfortable when they don't play. He has to seize the opportunity when they give it to him."

Carvajal also offered an update on the future of Manchester United outcast Victor Valdes, saying he expects the former Barcelona man to avoid returning to La Liga when he moves on, as expected, in the next transfer window.

"He'll prove himself, no matter where he goes. It's obvious he has to go and we're trying to make it so he is happy and feels comfortable," he added.

"He won't go to Spain – that's my personal opinion – unless he says otherwise."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barzagli to retire from Italy after Euro 2016

World Cup-winning defender Andrea Barzagli is to retire from international duty with Italy after Euro 2016.

The 34-year-old has 52 caps to his name, having debuted against Finland in November 2004, and featured in Italy's final Euro 2016 qualifier against Norway on Tuesday.

Antonio Conte's men sealed their place at the competition with a 3-1 win over Azerbaijan three days earlier and the tournament is due to be Barazgli's last in an Italy shirt.

"I'll leave the Azzurri after the Euros," Barzagli told Sky Sport24.

"It's right to give the younger players a chance."

The Juventus man featured twice as Italy won the World Cup in Germany nine years ago while he also helped the country to the final of the European Championship in 2012, where they were beaten by Spain.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Luis Suarez warns Barca team-mates: La Liga tougher than ever

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez believes it is now harder than ever to win the Liga title - and it will be even more difficult while the "irreplaceable" Lionel Messi is sidelined.

The Uruguay striker enjoyed a sensational first season at Camp Nou as Barca won the league title, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, but Luis Enrique's side have been inconsistent this term, losing two of their opening seven Liga games.

With just a point separating the top four and with Barca, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia and Atletico Madrid all involved in the Champions League group stages, Suarez has acknowledged that the playing field in Spain's top flight is beginning to level.

"We all know how strong our rivals are, from Real Madrid to Atletico, Valencia, Sevilla. But we have to believe in ourselves and stay ambitious," he told La Liga's official website.

"This year, La Liga is more competitive than in previous years. It'll be very even. Nobody knows what results there will be. We've dropped points ourselves, and we have five teams in the Champions League for the first time in history."

Barca were beaten 2-1 by Sevilla prior to the international break, with Messi sidelined with a knee ligament injury, and Suarez accepts the loss of the Argentina captain is difficult to cope with.

"Nobody can replace Leo. Those of us who play in attack have to do the same that we've been doing and keep helping the team," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man City winger Navas relishing Sevilla reunion

Jesus Navas admits he will have mixed feelings when Manchester City take on Sevilla in the Champions League next week.

Navas joined City from Sevilla in 2013, despite having previously suffered from homesickness so severe he left Spain training camps and declined a move to Chelsea in 2006.

The 29-year-old won the Uefa Cup and the Copa del Rey twice during his time at Sevilla but is now settled at City, who he helped to a Premier League and League Cup double in his first season at the Etihad Stadium.

And, after playing an integral role in City's 6-1 demolition of Newcastle United in their last Premier League encounter, Navas is relishing next Wednesday's reunion with his former club, who are level on three points with Manuel Pellegrini's men after the first two Group D matchdays.

"Sevilla is everything to me in sporting terms," Navas he is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News. "It is where I was born and grew up as a player, but now I can only think of Manchester.

"They took a gamble on me and I always want to justify that. Their deal with me is wonderful and I only have good words for the club."

Navas will then have the opportunity to return to Sevilla next month when City face Unai Emery's side again at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

He added: "For me it will be a game of mixed feelings. I want to play against Sevilla. Now we play in Manchester, but the return to the Sanchez Pizjuan will be awesome... it will be very special for me.

"I gave everything for Sevilla, and always, always felt the affection of the fans - they are already in my heart forever."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spain fans vote Diego Costa OUT of Euro 2016 squad

Chelsea striker Diego Costa should not be part of Spain’s squad for next summer’s European Championship. That’s according to fans who are clearly unimpressed with the 27-year-old.

Costa has managed just one goal in nine caps since opting to play for Spain instead of Brazil and was dropped from Vicente Del Bosque’s most recent squad as La Roja confirmed their place at Euro 2016.

Following their qualification Spanish newspaper Marca ran a poll asking fans who should be in the squad, with almost 73,000 users replying and opting for Alvaro Morata, Nolito and Pedro in attack.

Costa is undoubtedly the highest profile absentee from the fans’ squad with David De Gea, Iker Casillas and Sergio Rico taking the goalkeeping spots.

Chelsea team-mate Cesar Azpilicueta gets the nod in defence alongside regulars such as Sergio Ramos and the Barcelona trio of Gerard Pique, Marca Bartra and Jordi Alba.

Like Costa, Cesc Fabregas has also endured a dismal start to the season with Chelsea but is the fans’ choice in midfield alongside David Silva, Andrés Iniesta, Isco, Thiago Alcantara, Sergio Busquets, Koke, Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Diego Costa sqaud 1ken ain kalath kamak naha.Play karanna dunnata international level 1kedi kisima wadak une nahane​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi the only one who deserves Ballon d'Or - Matthaus

German football idol Lothar Matthaus has thrown his weight behind Lionel Messi to win the 2015 Ballon d'Or, insisting that no-one else merits the award.

The forward helped Barcelona to an unprecedented second treble during 2014/15, and also played a key part in Argentina's run to the Copa America final this year.

And for Matthaus, Messi stands out as the sole candidate as he seeks his fifth Ballon d'Or.

"There is only one player who deserves the prize: Lionel Messi," 1990 prize-winner told Fifa's official website.

"He has returned to a wonderful level with his club, and has not just won the Champions League but also the Copa [del Rey] and Liga double. Although titles with Argentina get away from him.

"Despite everything, his goal-scoring record speaks for him, the brilliance of his performances, as well as the triumphs he has celebrated for Barca.

"He has extraordinary class and constantly shows the uniqueness of his play. It would surprise me a lot if the trophy didn't go to him."

The German also commented on the coaching award, also signalling a Barcelona man - Luis Enrique - as the favourite.

"Since this year there has not been a European Championship nor World Cup, it is natural for the focus to be more on club football and there Barcelona have been head and shoulders above the rest," he explained.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern fans protest over Arsenal ticket prices

Arsenal have been attacked for their "impossible" ticket costs by a Bayern Munich fan group, who are planning to protest in the Champions League visit to the Emirates Stadium later this month.

The Bundesliga champions travel to London on October 20 but a supporters group, FC Bayern Worldwide, is urging fans not to accept what they deem to be "excessive ticket prices".

The fan group claim the cheapest ticket available is £64 which will rise to €100 (£74) with fees and postage making it implausible for many fans to afford live football.

"We will not enter the away sector for the first five minutes of the game Arsenal FC against FC Bayern München on the 20th of October 2015,” a statement on their Facebook page read.

"We will be taking this action to draw attention to the excessive ticket prices for this fixture. The cheapest ticket for this group phase match is priced at £64, which with fees and postage included will cost Bayern fans almost €100.

"This kind of a price structure makes a stadium visit impossible for younger and socially disadvantaged fans. It destroys fan culture, which is the basis of football. In England, this development has already taken place.

"We want to protest at the price structure and at the same time changes in the stadia. We want to remind clubs and associations of their social responsibility and warn them of the effects, which we will all feel, both as fans and club officials.

"We express our support for campaigns like '20's Plenty' from England and 'Kein Zwanni' in Germany. Especially the developments in English football should be a sobering example.

"The first five minutes of the game in London will be, what future football will look like if this madness continues. Empty seats in the stands and no singing or emotion in the stands. In the following 85 minutes we want to show the alternative and show how fundamentally important a lively fan-culture is for football."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ramos back in Madrid training ahead of Levante clash

Sergio Ramos has returned to training with Real Madrid after missing Spain's last two Euro 2016 qualifiers with a shoulder injury.

Ramos dislocated his shoulder in Madrid's 4-0 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk last month, but returned to action for the derby with Atletico Madrid - a 1-1 draw - 10 days ago.

However, Ramos then withdrew from the Spain squad ahead of qualifiers with Luxembourg and Ukraine after aggravating the problem.

Madrid take on Levante on Saturday and may be able to utilise Ramos again after the centre-back took part in what the club described as an "intense session" with the squad on Wednesday.

Rafael Benitez's men sit second in La Liga, one point behind leaders Villarreal with 15 points from seven games.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barca to make final appeal to Fifa over Turan

Barcelona are to make a final appeal to Fifa in an attempt to bring forward Arda Turan's registration before taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Turan joined Barca from Atletico Madrid in July but is not eligible to play for the Spanish champions until next year because of a transfer ban imposed on the club.

The embargo, which came about as a result of Barca breaching rules relating to registering youth players, expires on January 4.

But, following a cruciate knee ligament injury suffered by Rafinha last month, Barca enquired with Fifa and the Spanish Football Federation over the possibility of fast-tracking the Turkey star's registration.

That request was rejected by Fifa, although the Spanish and European champions have since called for a "more concrete answer" and hinted they could take the matter to CAS.

And Barca have now confirmed they are to make another plea to Fifa's Appeals Committee on Thursday, which the club said will serve as a "prelude" to an appeal to CAS.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Roberto: Nolito should return to Barcelona

Sergi Roberto believes winger Nolito should return to Barcelona following a series of scintillating displays for Celta Vigo.

Roberto and Nolito progressed through the ranks together with Barcelona B but the latter was restricted to a pair of substitute appearances for the senior side in the 2010-11 season.

The 28-year-old subsequently moved on to Benfica and, after returning to La Liga in a loan stint with Granada in 2013, his career has taken off following a permanent move to Celta.

Nolito boasts a superb record of 32 goals in 63 Liga starts for his current club, including a run of five in four matches this season that culminated in the stunning 4-1 win over Barca, and Roberto believes Nolito's acquisition would provide a boost for Luis Enrique's side.

"I played with him at Barca B and I have great memories and off the field," Roberto told Mundo Deportivo.

"He helped [Celta] a lot to climb to second. He's a great player who is at a high level, evidenced at Celta and he is already in the Spanish national squad.

"It would be very good reinforcement, but the coach will decide."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Alexis reveals why he'd snub Real Madrid to stay at Arsenal

Alexis Sanchez has responded to reports linking him with move to Real Madrid by insisting he is happy at Arsenal and not thinking about leaving the club.

The former Barcelona star has been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu this week, with reports claiming los Blancos are lining up for a move for the Chile international in 2016.

However, speaking at a press conference in Chile on Wednesday following back-to-back World Cup 2018 qualification wins, Alexis dismissed the speculation and stressed he plans on remaining at the Emirates Stadium for the foreseeable future.

"I have no idea what the media are saying, but I feel comfortable at Arsenal," he told reporters. "I'm happy with my team-mates and the city of London is beautiful. I'm not going to change, I'm very happy.

“I always want to be the best at everything I do. I'm never happy with what I do, I always want to give more. My mum is always my coach. She phones me and tells me to shoot at goal more often.”

Alexis has been in fine form for his country scoring in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Brazil before adding a double in the 4-3 victory over Peru on Tuesday but admitted he was “a bit tired” after the Peru game.

When asked about a group of Peru fans attempting to halt him in his tracks by cursing him, he added: "These are things that come with football. People invent things. I'm happy, we won."

Arsenal are back in Premier League action on Saturday as they take on Watford at Vicarage Road.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'This has been the worst spell of my career but I can replace Aguero' - Bony

Wilfried Bony believes he can fill the void left by the injured Sergio Aguero at Manchester City, despite enduring “the worst spell” of his career at the Etihad Stadium.

Bony joined City from Swansea for a fee of £28 million in 2014 but has scored just twice for the club in 19 appearances, compared to Aguero's eight goals in a mere 11 appearances this season alone.

However, with Aguero sustaining a hamstring injury on international duty that is expected to keep him out for around a month, Bony is set to deputise for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, and he insists that he can hit the goal trail, starting this weekend against newly-promoted Bournemouth.

“It’s never good when your team-mates are injured but that’s the way football goes sometimes,” Bony told the club’s official website.

“Now I need to take things game by game and work hard. I have to take my chance and score goals for the team – that’s why I’m here.

“My first concern is helping my team-mates and playing my part - we’ll see how things go starting this Saturday against Bournemouth.”

Bony has seen his playing time limited by injury following his move from Swansea – where he netted 35 goals in 70 appearances.

And the 26-year-old admits that he is desperate to put the bad times behind him in the coming months, promising City fans that they are set to see the “new Bony”.

“A lot of crazy things have happened since I joined City and I’ve been ruled out with injury three or four times so it’s been hard to find any rhythm playing one or two games here and there,” he added.

“In the past five years I’d never missed more than two games in a row and at Swansea I only missed a handful of matches and that was mostly because of a red card I received.

“I’ve had nothing but bad luck in the past year, but hopefully, that’s the end of it now. It’s not been the best time for me in that respect and has been very frustrating, but hopefully the City fans will now see the new Bony.

“All I need is the first goal to come and hopefully many others will follow.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho is the best manager in the world and will turn Chelsea around, says Begovic

Asmir Begovic says that Jose Mourinho is the best manager in the world and is confident he can turn Chelsea’s season around after a dismal start to their title defence.

The Blues are currently in 16th place in the Premier League table, having lost four of their opening eight games as well as having suffered defeat to Porto in the Champions League.

Mourinho has come under scrutiny due to his team’s poor form, leading to Chelsea offering the Portuguese a vote of confidence, but Begovic is confident he is the right man to get the Blues back on track.

“That’s the only comforting thing: we have the best manager in the world. We believe in him and he believes in us. We will turn things around,” he told reporters.

“He’s not happy, of course. He doesn’t want to lose. He wouldn’t have won all the trophies he has, and become the best manager in the world, to be happy with how things are going.

“But at the same time he has kept calm, tried to keep things on the ground, make sure we don’t feel sorry for ourselves, and pick things up.

“It’s a long season, we know in football these things happen, even to the best teams; we need to keep fighting and hopefully things will turn for us, our performances and our luck.”

Former Stoke City goalkeeper Begovic is currently enjoying a prolonged spell in the first team due to a serious knee injury to first choice Thibaut Courtois and the 28-year-old says playing for the Blues is a step up.

“It’s a change, you definitely know you are playing at a different level but that’s what I wanted, a challenge. I look forward to it and I’ve worked really hard to get here,” he added.

“I’m enjoying that part of things, but the results need to change, we know that. They are not good enough, our performances haven’t been good enough. The club has set standards over the last few years. We need to pick our play up and work harder.

“There is a certain idea you have, what is going to happen. Things have obviously changed a little bit. I’ve been thrown in there and that’s a good experience for me.

“I have experienced different things before with international football and club sides as well. It hasn’t struck me too badly, I just try to keep my head down, keep performing and hopefully I can help the team turn things around.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benitez: I fought more than anyone for Ramos to stay at Real Madrid

Rafael Benitez has claimed he fought to keep defender Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid this summer and insists he has no problem with the Spain international.

The two have come into conflict after Benitez publicly criticised Ramos for giving away a penalty in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.

The defender responded by questioning the coach’s substitutions during the game with Isco and Karim Benzema withdrawn as Luciano Vietto grabbed a late equaliser.

However, Benitez has played down suggestions of a rift and says he was desperate for Ramos to stay this summer, amid links of a move to Manchester United as part of a potential David de Gea deal.

“I fought more than anyone for Ramos to stay. There are absolutely no problems between us,” he told Onda Cero radio's 'Al Primer Toque'.

“He's our captain, an outstanding footballer and he has to keep showing that.”

Striker Karim Benzema has also admitted he is “fed up” with being substituted but Benitez insists morale in the dressing room is good at the Bernabeu.

"I'm surprised by the number of stories they make up,” he added.

“We have a great dressing room and there is a very good, relaxed and healthy atmosphere amongst the players

“We've got Benzema back at his best, although he still receives lots of criticism. We're rationing his playing time

"I don't have a problem with any player in the squad. I had a good, long chat with Cristiano Ronaldo yesterday.

“Coaches have to control a group of professionals but not what their agents say. Ronaldo and Bale don't have any problems.”