..::Football III::..

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Benzema AND Valbuena left out of France squad

Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena have been left out of the France squad for the upcoming friendlies with Germany and England.

Benzema was on Thursday charged by prosecutors in Versailles with complicity in an attempt to blackmail and participating in a criminal conspiracy as part of an investigation into a sex-tape plot involving Valbuena.

Benzema's lawyer Sylvain Cormier has denied his client's involvement and, with the Real Madrid man also carrying a thigh injury, Les Blues boss Didier Deschamps opted to omit the pair for the clash with the world champions in Paris on November 13 and the trip to Wembley four days later.

"Karim is injured and therefore not in the squad," Deschamps said at a media conference.

"Regarding the recent events, I do not know all the details of the case, but I have little doubt justice will do its job."

Deschamps said Lyon midfielder Valbuena was left out as he was not in the right state of mind.

"He is not in the best of conditions psychologically. I have taken the decision to give him some rest," Deschamps added.

Bayern Munich youngster Kingsley Coman has been called up for the first time and could make his debut against Germany, while Hatem Ben Arfa has also made the cut following his fine performances in 2015-16, having last played for France in 2012.

Squad in full: Lloris (Tottenham), Mandanda (Marseille), Costil (Rennes); Evra (Juventus), Sakho (Liverpool), Sagna, Mangala (both Manchester City), Koscielny (Arsenal), Digne (Roma), Varane (Real Madrid), Jallet (Lyon); Cabaye (Crystal Palace), L.Diarra (Marseille), Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain), Pogba (Juventus), Sissoko (Newcastle), Schneiderlin (Manchester United); Coman (Bayern Munich), Giroud (Arsenal), Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Martial (Manchester United), Ben Arfa (Nice), Gignac (Tigres)

 

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Sterling: Quality at Man City a step up from Liverpool

Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling has noticed a step up in quality since arriving at the Etihad Stadium from Liverpool.

The England international joined Manuel Pellegrini's side in July in a deal which could eventually be worth £49 million and has gone on to score six goals in his first 15 appearances.

Sterling insists he has found the quality of his new team-mates at City superior to the stars he played with during a five-year stay at Liverpool.

"There are more experienced players here," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"Obviously, Liverpool had many great players as well but the players here have been at the highest level for many years and you can definitely see that on the training pitch.

"The tempo, the passing, the two-touch movement in training; it's really surprised me. It's really sharp, really good to be involved in."

Sterling scored his first Champions League goal for City in their 3-1 win over Sevilla on Tuesday, which he acknowledged was a moment to remember as his side sealed their place in the last 16.

The 20-year-old continued: "It was definitely a special goal for me - my first in the Champions League.

"But the most important thing was the way the team played. I thought we did great and took our chances when we needed to."

 

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Mourinho suspended stadium ban appeal rejected

Jose Mourinho's appeal against his suspended stadium ban has been rejected by the Football Association, the governing body has confirmed.

Mourinho was hit with a suspended ban, as well as a £50,000 fine, after he embarked on a seven-minute rant following Chelsea's 3-1 loss to Southampton in October, claiming that referees were "scared" to give decisions to his side.

Should the Portuguese again break rule E3 of the FA's code of conduct he will trigger his suspension, and he has repeatedly refused to elaborate on refereeing decisions following his punishment.

"An Appeal Board has dismissed the appeal from Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho in relation to a decision made by an Independent Regulatory Commission," read a statement.

"At the original commission hearing, Mr Mourinho was given a suspended one-match stadium ban and fined £50,000 after he admitted a breach of FA Rules in relation to post-match media comments made following the game against Southampton on Saturday 3 October 2015.

"The Appeal Board has upheld the original sanction and therefore it remains that Mr Mourinho’s suspended stadium ban will be immediately invoked should he be found by an Independent Regulatory Commission to have committed a further breach of FA Rule E3 for any comment or statement to or through the media before 13 October 2016."

Mourinho faces a separate charge of misconduct after he was sent off in the 2-1 defeat to West Ham and, as such, will be banned from the touchline for this weekend's clash with Stoke City.

 

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Explained: Benzema arrest & Valbuena sex tape scandal

Karim Benzema has been charged with conspiracy to blackmail France team-mate Mathieu Valbeuna over an alleged sex tape.

The criminal case came to light on October 13 when ex-France forward Djibril Cisse was among four people being questioned by police.

Valbuena later defended Cisse – who denied any involvement in the attempt to extort money from his former Marseille colleague and was released without charge – by suggesting the 34-year-old "conducted himself as a friend by trying to help me".

The scandal, which is reported to have started in June, unravelled further on Wednesday when it emerged that Benzema had been arrested in France.

The Real Madrid striker's lawyer, Sylvain Courmier, insisted "he has done absolutely nothing wrong” and is confident he could “finally put an end to this painful controversy", but on Thursday he was charged by Versailles police.

Respected news agency AFP claim a source in the investigation admitted Benzema approached Valbuena "on behalf of [Karim's] childhood friend" who had previously been contacted regarding the sex-tape extortion.

Benzema's lawyer subsequently told reporters: "Karim has shown he is of good faith. He's played no part in blackmail. His friend Valbuena is in his prayers."

At this point it has to be stressed that Benzema has not been convicted of anything and he remains innocent until proven guilty.

But, should the 27-year-old be convicted of the charge of complicity in attempting to blackmail Valbuena, he could face a maximum prison sentence of five years.

In the meantime, Benzema is forbidden from meeting with or contacting the Lyon attacking midfielder, who is yet to comment on the latest revelations in the blackmail case.

He has returned to Spain with the judge having chosen not to confiscate his passport, and Real Madrid have given Benzema their full support despite initial concerns when details emerged of their striker's arrest.
Benzema's exclusion from Didier Deschamps' squad – announced minutes after he was charged by French prosecutors – for the matches against Germany and England was always expected.

The striker has not featured for Real Madrid since sustaining a hamstring injury in the October international break as France defeated Armenia 4-0, a game in which he scored twice prior to his substitution.

"Karim is injured and therefore not in the squad," Deschamps told reporters on Thursday. "Regarding the recent events, I don't know all the details of the case, but I have little doubt justice will do its job."

Valbuena's exclusion is more contentious. The 31-year-old is not injured and has played eight times for France in 2015, but Deschamps said: "He is not in the best condition psychologically. I have taken the decision to give him some rest."
Yes, Benzema has a colourful history with the judicial systems in France and Spain.

In January 2014, Benzema and Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery were acquitted in Paris of soliciting an underage prostitute.

Benzema always denied allegations he had engaged in sexual relations with Zahia Dehar in 2008, while Ribery admitted he had engaged in intercourse with the same girl but denied knowing her age.

The case judge ruled there was not enough proof that the France duo were aware Ms Dehar was not 18 years old – the legal age of consent with a prostitute in Germany and France.

More recently, Cadena SER reported that Benzema was stopped by police on October 29 in Spain for committing an illegal turn and was in turn accused of driving without a valid licence.

Marca claim the traffic violation has been fast-tracked and Benzema will stand trial on November 23 at 10:00 CET.

Two years ago, Benzema had his licence suspended and was fined €18,000 for speeding, and six months ago he was punished for the same offence en route to Madrid's Barajas airport.

 

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Ranieri not worried by Mahrez links to Manchester United

Claudio Ranieri is not fazed by speculation linking Riyad Mahrez with a move away from Leicester City after his stunning start to the season.

Only team-mate Jamie Vardy has scored more than the Algerian's seven Premier League goals so far, with reports linking him to Manchester United as a result.

However, such rumours do not concern the Italian coach, who instead sees them as a compliment.

"That's good because it means we have very good players," Ranieri told reporters. "It's only speculation, he's happy with us.

"We want to grow up and he will stay with us. Riyad and Vardy are great talents."

Leicester sit third in the table after 11 matches – three points adrift of leaders Manchester City – and host Watford on Saturday.

Ranieri thinks Quique Sanchez Flores' side will pose a difficult task having gone unbeaten in their last three matches on the road.

He added: "We're playing a good team. In recent away games Watford have been very strong. We must be careful.

"Like us, Watford are strong, counter well and press a lot. They are working together and I'm sure they will get better too.

"I'd like a clean sheet but a 2-2 is better than a 0-0 for the fans. The goals are the show."

 

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Ronaldo tips Mourinho & Chelsea to bounce back

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has backed his compatriot Jose Mourinho to bounce back from Chelsea's poor start to the season and turn the club's fortunes around.

Ronaldo played under Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu before his return to Stamford Bridge and hopes to see another one of Portugal's most famous exports return to title contention.

The 30-year-old has admitted, however, that after 13 years in professional football few things surprise him.

"I'm not surprised because in football anything can happen," Ronaldo told BBC Sport. "I'm not surprised.

"Of course he is a manager that I was working with for two years and I know his potential.

"I know him and Chelsea are going to pass this tough situation.

"As a Portuguese man of course I want to see the Portuguese people at the top level all the time, so this is what I wish for him - that he can go through this bad situation and make Chelsea fans happy, because I think they deserve it."

 

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Rubin Kazan 0-1 Liverpool: Ibe fires Reds to victory in Russia

Jordon Ibe scored his first goal for Liverpool to give Jurgen Klopp's men a 1-0 win at Rubin Kazan that significantly boosts hopes of reaching the Europa League knockout stages.

The visitors were completely dominant in Russia and saw chances go begging, including James Milner hitting the woodwork, meaning winger Ibe's strike early in the second half proved decisive.

The victory is Liverpool's first in the competition this season after three consecutive 1-1 draws, but there is still work to do to reach the last 32, although a win over Bordeaux in their next game at Anfield later this month will seal progression after they drew 1-1 with Sion in Group B's other game on Thursday.

Rubin, meanwhile, are now detached at the bottom of the table after they failed to register a single shot on target in the match.

Liverpool made four changes to the team that beat Premier League champions Chelsea on Saturday as Christian Benteke started his first game since September. Dejan Lovren, Joe Allen and Ibe also came into the line-up.

Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana dropped to the substitutes' bench with what Klopp described as minor injuries, while Martin Skrtel and Lucas Leiva also stepped aside.

Liverpool made a bright start and only the crossbar denied Milner from a tight angle after the captain had been set up by an excellent piece of individual play from Roberto Firmino.

Benteke and Firmino were both narrowly off-target with right-footed efforts, although the visitors' creativity did decrease as the first half progressed, despite dominating possession

Liverpool did come close to scoring in the final seconds before half-time when Ibe's cross-shot was headed towards his own goal by Saba Kvirkvelia, with the defender relieved to see Sergei Ryzhikov make an acrobatic save at the second attempt.
Alberto Moreno lashed a shot against the side netting as Klopp's men started strongly in the second half before making the breakthrough after 52 minutes.

Firmino flicked a pass into the path of Ibe, who dribbled towards the edge of the box and placed an excellent shot in off the inside of the post.

Emre Can was annoyed not to be awarded a penalty after being clipped on the back of his leg by Ruslan Kambolov inside the area, but may have paid the price for a delayed reaction to the challenge.

Ryzhikov only just managed to grab Lovren's header after being initially unsighted from Ibe's corner and Can warmed the goalkeeper's hands with another effort as Liverpool stayed firmly on top.

Ibe should have had a second after a swift Liverpool counterattack ended with him being played in by substitute Lallana, but this time his effort was poor and straight at Ryzhikov.

Rubin struggled to provide any kind of attacking threat and Kambolov's poor late free-kick typified their performance, as Liverpool held on more comfortably than the scoreline suggests.

 

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Borussia Dortmund 4-0 Qabala: Mkhitaryan red-hot as hosts run rampant

Henrikh Mkhitaryan starred as Borussia Dortmund routed Qabala 4-0 in the Europa League, with the hosts dispatching their visitors to secure their place in the last 32.

The 26-year-old set up Marco Reus to open the scoring in the 28th minute, the winger collecting his team-mate's pass before unleashing a long-range effort that found the back of the net.

Mkhitaryan then assisted BVB's second when he sent Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang through on goal, allowing the club top-scorer to finish with ease.

The contest was as good as over when Sergey Zenjov put the ball past his own goalkeeper, before Mkhitaryan deservedly got his name on the scoresheet when he crashed his drive in off the underside of the crossbar three minutes later.

With Krasnodar defeating PAOK 2-1 in Group C's other fixture on Thursday, three points were enough to book Thomas Tuchel's outfit a spot in the knockout stages.

The hosts controlled the early exchanges and Dawid Pietrzkiewicz almost gifted the home side a goal in the 11th minute, only for Mkhitaryan to let him off the hook by volleying over from his poor clearance.

The Qabala keeper was more assured five minutes later when he stayed big to stop Aubameyang netting the opener following a sprint down the right, with Gonzalo Castro sending the follow-up wide.

After almost fumbling a deflected Matthias Ginter strike into his own net, Pietrzkiewicz was finally beaten after 28 minutes when Reus fired a low shot past him from the edge of the box – making it 31 successive games in which Dortmund have scored.

The hosts grew in confidence and a ferocious 20-yard drive from Aubameyang flew narrowly wide before a last-ditch block from Rafael stopped Reus – who pulled up with a groin issue after celebrating his goal - from scoring his second nine minutes prior to the interval.

Pietrzkiewicz produced a great save to keep out Mkhitaryan in the final minute of the half, but moments later he let Aubameyang's stabbed effort from the left-hand side of the box slip past him as Tuchel's side doubled their advantage.

Adnan Januzaj replaced Reus at the interval but Dortmund remained dangerous, with Mkhitaryan steering Marcel Schmelzer's low cross onto the upright.

Pietrzkiewicz went some way to redeeming himself midway through the second half when he thwarted Januzaj, but from the resultant corner Zenjov headed the ball into his own net.Mkhitaryan finally got in on the scoring act 20 minutes from time, slamming home from 18 yards after being fed by Lukasz Piszczek.

The Armenia international came close to adding a fifth, but his 74th-minute strike crashed off the post before rebounding off the Qabala keeper and going wide.

 

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Napoli 5-0 Midtjylland: Gabbiadini nets double in stroll

Napoli claimed a 14th-straight victory in all competitions as they secured a place in the Europa League knock-out stage with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Midtjylland on Thursday.

Manolo Gabbiadini’s second double in as many Europa League games put Maurizio Sarri’s side, the top scorers so far in this season’s competition with 16 goals so far, into a commanding lead before half-time following Omar El Kaddouri’s early opener.

Midtjylland did look livelier after the interval, but it made little difference, with goals from Christian Maggio and Jose Callejon sealing another comfortable night for Napoli.

After missing a gilt-edged chance in the third minute, El Kaddouri made no mistake 10 minutes later, firing Napoli ahead with a well-placed finish through the legs of Mikkel Andersen after being set up by Insigne.

Gabbiadini doubled the hosts’ tally soon after – drilling in a low finish on the rebound after Andersen had parried Insigne’s effort straight into his path.

Gabbiadini then sealed his brace shortly before the interval, firing home from close-range after being teed up by David Lopez.

Pepe Reina had to be alert to prevent Midtjylland pulling one back through early in the second half, before Maggio netted a fine individual goal, cutting in from the wing to dispatch coolly past Andersen.

Despite Gabbiadini twice going close to his hat-trick, it was substitute Callejon who grabbed Napoli’s fifth – heading in his fourth of the campaign as Sarri’s side, fourth in Serie A, maintained their 100 per-cent record in Group D.

 

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Lech Poznan 0-2 Fiorentina: Ilicic brace lifts Viola to vital win

A brace from Josip Ilicic was enough to earn Fiorentina a win at Lech Poznan in the Europa League on Thursday.

The result counts as revenge after the Polish side defeated Paulo Sousa's men in the reverse fixture, and allows them to leapfrog their rivals in Group I.

Ilicic's set-piece three minutes before half time put la Viola in front, before his neat finish seven minutes from time wrapped up the game and moved his team three points behind leaders Basel.

The Serie A leaders came flying out of the blocks in the first half and were very much on top in the opening exchanges.

Mario Suarez fired narrowly off target inside two minutes, before Matias Vecino was denied by a smart save from Jasmin Buric soon after.

Poznan are struggling near the foot of the Ekstraklasa and chances were few and far between for them in Jan Urban’s first European home match as manager.

Szymon Pawlowski drilled an effort wide of the far post, while Marcin Kaminski’s powerful effort was well held by Luigi Sepe.La Viola broke the deadlock when they were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area after Dariusz Dudka brought down Giuseppe Rossi.Ilicic stepped up and swept his delivery beautifully into the far corner beyond the despairing dive of Buric.

The second half did not provide many opportunities as the hosts severely lacked a cutting edge in the final third. Their best chance came 12 minutes from time, when Gergo Lovrencsics’ effort flashed just wide of the far post with Sepe beaten.

They were made to pay for their lack of creativity five minutes later, as Ilicic raced away from the defence before calmly lifting the ball over the advancing Buric to seal the victory for Sousa’s side.

 

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Exciting Ibe looks like a new player under Klopp

There was a period last season when Jordon Ibe had his markers tangled and terrified. He would not stop running at them, determined to give anyone who faced up to him hell.

That seemed a distant memory at the start of this campaign as the fearlessness which characterised his game faded in the toxicity surrounding Liverpool.

The end of 2014-15, especially the 6-1 humiliation at Stoke City, hung heavy around the club - as did the growing discontent from the terraces over Brendan Rodgers being kept on as manager.

In that scenario, the bravado that set Ibe apart was eradicated; just as the team seemed scared of their own shadow, so did he.

The 19-year-old stuttered through games rather than decorating and dominating them. With Liverpool being understandably risk-averse in their opening Premier League fixture at the Britannia, defensive solidity was prioritised over attacking ambition and he struggled.

Then, against Bournemouth, he got switched to the left flank in an encounter where Rodgers again wanted steel over style. At the Emirates, Ibe was introduced into the action when Arsenal were monopolising the ball and looking to land Mike Tyson-esque blows. He seemed lost, as did many of his team-mates who were playing chase the shadows.

That stifled start to a season which promised so much for the winger, started to create self-doubt. He limped along as Liverpool did, with substitute appearances in the unacceptable defeats to West Ham and Manchester United.

He spent the rest of Rodgers’ tenure on the bench for league games, and it was unclear how the teenager could return to his explosive best.

Enter Jurgen Klopp. "With the new manager, everything is fresh,” Ibe admitted recently.

“I feel like a new player and it's for me to keep improving and trying to stand out in training. I feel good - the whole team are feeling great and fresh.”

That has certainly been evident in Ibe’s performances. He guaranteed Liverpool’s only win in the Europa League this season on Thursday, with a sharp finish away to Rubin Kazan. He had been building up to such a contribution; impressing whenever he has been afforded an opportunity under the German.

Klopp has been encouraging his squad to cast their fears aside and “have the bravery to make faults.” Such an instruction suits a player like Ibe, who has to take risks in his position. The England Under-21 international knows if he makes a mistake, “it is not the end of the world” - as his new boss has expressed.

There is a recent clip of Klopp handing Ibe his glasses after the starlet misplaced an easy pass in training. That humour - instead of a long lecture - was appreciated. At the Kazan Arena on Thursday night, there was another notable interaction between the 48-year-old and the former Wycombe graduate.

After the final whistle, Klopp happily half-hopped, half-jogged towards the goalscorer shouting "Ibey" before giving him a gigantic hug.

Anyone who wondered how the Liverpool youngster could possibly recover his swagger and star power were given the answer.

 

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Campbell wants to stay at Arsenal

Joel Campbell's agent has insisted his client wants to stay at Arsenal after scoring his first Premier League goal for the club against Swansea City.

The 23-year-old has struggled to break into Arsene Wenger’s since returning from a fourth loan spell abroad at the end of last season, but marked his first league start of the 2015-16 campaign with a goal on Saturday.

Campbell started again against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night and could be set for a run in the side with Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out injured.

Joaquim Batica told the Metro: “Joel wants to be successful with Arsenal and he wants to stay.

“He was very happy after scoring his first Premier League goal. He just wants to be successful and win trophies for Arsenal — that’s all he is focused on.”

 

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Hodgson warns Vardy: You'll play wherever I tell you to!

England manager Roy Hodgson has warned Jamie Vardy he should be prepared to play wherever he is needed for the Three Lions.

Vardy has spent most of his four appearances for the national team so far on the wing but his Leicester City team-mate Kasper Schmeichel believes he deserves a chance in a central striking role.

Hodgson, however, is keen to ensure the 28-year-old keeps his feet on the ground despite his remarkable record of 11 goals in 11 league games for his club this season.

The ex-Liverpool boss told reporters: “When you have only played two games, you are in no position to go to the coach and say, 'I will play for England but only in this position'.

"That is the point I am trying to make.

"I am just trying to defuse hype and make one very important point which is very, very obvious to anyone who has been following England for a long time. That is: An England shirt is a very valuable commodity.

“I think Jamie Vardy can play in any of the front three positions.

"Jamie has only played a couple of games from the start. He should be happy at the moment a) to be in the squad and b) even happier if he makes the team.

“His job, I think, should be definitely to try to convince that he has got the ability to play as a forward in an England team and not get too hung up like some people if he only plays here [in a certain position].”

 

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Ronaldo on joining Man City: If it was about the money, I'd go to Qatar!

Cristiano Ronaldo says he would move to Qatar rather than Manchester City if his next move was motivated by money.

Ronaldo has been asked several times about the possibility of leaving Real Madrid during the promotional campaign for his new biopic.

When asked about the possibility of one day moving to City in an interview with BBC Sport, Ronaldo replied: "You think the money [is] going [to] change my mind now, at 30 years old?

"I don't think so. I think this is not going to be the problem.

"If you speak about the money I will go to Qatar. Maybe they probably have more money than Manchester City.

"But it's not about the money, it's about the passion."


Ronaldo said it had also been 'hard' to see his former club Manchester United struggle under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.

"For me it's hard to see that," he said. "Because it's a club I love and of course I want to see Manchester United in a level that it was in the past."

 

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Neymar: I don’t like watching football

Barcelona star Neymar claims he does not like watching football when he’s not playing but admits he is enjoying life at Camp Nou after a strong start to the season.

The Brazil international has scored eight goals in his last six games for Luis Enrique’s side, who are level on points with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

The two sides will go head-to-head in El Clasico after the international break, and Neymar says the first goal he scored against Real Madrid was one of the best moments of his career.

“It was a great moment. I always dreamed about a moment like this. It was one of the happiest days in my life," he told BeIN Sports.

"Brazil - Argentina is very similar to a Barcelona - Real Madrid. It's going to be a very difficult game

"This is my best year, I'm playing the way I like, I'm very happy. I feel like I’m at home. My first year was to learn, the second was better.

"I always loved the way Barcelona play and the players. I adapt to their play. Luis Suarez and I have to run to find space to receive passes from these great players.

"I don't know if we [Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi] are the best, but we have great players. I hope we can be in our best form for many years."

Neymar also insisted that he is focusing on winning more titles for last season's treble winners, but dismissed his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or from Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I don't like to watch football games when I’m not playing for Barcelona,” he added.

“I don't watch Real Madrid games. I don't like to watch other teams. I can't opine about something I don't see.

"For me the important thing is to win titles. The Ballon d'Or is always between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, players from another planet.
"I don't pay attention to this things, I want to help to my partners."

 

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Ronaldo: It's hard to see Manchester United struggle like this

Cristiano Ronaldo admits that it is "hard to see" his old club, Manchester United, struggling to recapture the elite quality that defined him in his spell at Old Trafford.

Before his then-world-record move to Real Madrid, the Portuguese spent six years with United and won three Premier League trophies and the Champions League under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, United have struggled since the Scot's retirement, first enduring a dreadful season under David Moyes and still yet to establish consistent quality in the reign of Louis van Gaal.

"It's different. I don't say that it's better or worse but it changed a lot," Ronaldo told BBC Sport of his old team's fortunes. "Manchester, it changed. Many great players retired. For example: [Rio] Ferdinand, [Ryan] Giggs, [Paul] Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, et cetera...

"I move to Real Madrid, Sir Alex Ferguson's gone... the structured changed, in my opinion. This is why Manchester is not the same Manchester of six years ago. This is a fact, it's true.

"For me it's hard to see that because it's a club I love and of course I want to see Manchester United in a level that it was in the past.

"I like to see the club that I like in the top - and I think Manchester, this season, is better but I think they still have work to do to be in [the] level of six, seven years ago."

Wayne Rooney's late winner for United against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday was all that prevented the English giants from going four games without a goal, with frustration building at Van Gaal's style of play.

By contrast, Ronaldo has already scored 13 goals in 14 games across La Liga and Europe this season, having recently become the most prolific player in the history of Real Madrid.

 

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Ronaldo: It's hard to see Manchester United struggle like this

We need you Ronaldo!​

 

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Mertesacker eyeing Arsenal response against Tottenham

Per Mertesacker has warned his Arsenal team-mates improvement is needed against Tottenham if they are to maintain their Premier League title bid.

Arsenal welcome Tottenham to the Emirates for Sunday's north London derby, four days after suffering a humiliating 5-1 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Wednesday's rout in Munich left Arsenal on the brink of elimination and centre-back Mertesacker stressed the importance of avoiding another damning loss.

"We will learn a lot from this game, we must learn a lot and we have to play better against Tottenham," said the Germany international.

"We need to switch on, put away negative energy and fight back. But if we are to beat Tottenham then we have to recover quickly.

"We have played well recently, defended well and that's what we must focus on. We must remember those games, try to move on from this performance and focus on beating Tottenham. We have to analyse quickly and get players back quickly."

Arsenal and Manchester City are level atop the Premier League standings on 25 points after 11 matches, though the latter are ahead on goal difference.

 

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Arsene Wenger reveals his biggest fear in life

Arsene Wenger has revealed his biggest fear in life is being late.

In an interview with L'Equipe, the Arsenal manager was asked about his spitiual side and admits the prospect of looking back on his career is, at times, scary.

"I'm always afraid of being late and not to be ready, not being able to accomplish all that I planned," said the 66-year-old.

"My personal relationship with time is scary. To go back in time, to look behind yourself is equally staggering.

"First of all, you're frightened because there is less to come than the time already spent. If you wallow with that feeling, it's definitely scary and sometimes you feel guilty."

Wenger was also asked about religion and admits the tactic of reading from a book of prayers before a game is no longer in use.

"Unfortunately today, it works less!” said the Arsenal manager.

“At the same time, fortunately, it means that my team does not necessarily need God to win.

"The only time possible happiness, it is the present. The past gives regrets. And future uncertainties.

"Man quickly realized this and created the religion. It forgives him what he has done wrong in the past and told him for the future not to worry."

 

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Matic: It'll be strange without Mourinho

Nemanja Matic says it will be "strange" without Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho on the touchline when Chelsea face Stoke City on Saturday.

The Portuguese has been given a one-match stadium ban by the Football Association for his half-time confrontation with referee Jon Moss during last month's 2-1 loss at West Ham.

Matic's red card shortly before the interval at Upton Park sparked the angry scenes and the Serbia international admits Mourinho's absence could pose communication problems.

"I've been here [at Chelsea] almost two years and we have not played without a coach yet, so it is going to be strange," Matic told reporters.
"Of course it is easier when the coach is on the bench and especially at half-time when he can say something.

"But we also have other great coaches and they will be prepared for everything, and we have to be ready for that."
Chelsea returned to winning ways against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League on Tuesday but last weekend's 3-1 loss at home to Liverpool was their sixth defeat in 11 Premier League matches this season.

Last week, Stoke knocked holders Chelsea out of the League Cup on penalties.