..::Football III::..

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Wolfsburg warn Real Madrid off Ricardo Rodriguez

Wolfsburg managing director Klaus Allofs has dismissed rumours linking left-back Ricardo Rodriguez with a move to Real Madrid.

Rodriguez has been tipped to join Madrid for several months and speculation has intensified following the news of the club's impending transfer ban.

Fifa have ruled the La Liga side will not be allowed to buy players for two windows, starting in the summer, after breaking rules regarding the signing of young players.

As a result, Madrid could look to bring forward their transfer business, but Wolfsburg are adamant they will not be selling Rodriguez.

When asked about the prospect of the club allowing the defender moving to the Bernabeu, Allofs said: "You can forget it, we certainly will not be doing that."

Wolfsburg signed Rodriguez from FC Zurich in 2012 and he has gone on to establish himself as one of the best full-backs in the Bundesliga.

 

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Mihajlovic targets 'revenge and vengeance' with AC Milan

AC Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic hopes Sunday's 2-0 win over Fiorentina can inspire "revenge and vengeance" in the second-half of the Serie A season.

Mihajlovic has overseen an uninspiring campaign to date and was grateful for the support he received from owner Silvio Berlusconi ahead of the weekend's clash at San Siro.

Carlos Bacca netted a fourth-minute opener and Kevin-Prince Boateng came off the bench to score the first goal of his second spell at Milan and seal the points.

Former Serbia international Mihajlovic believes his side have provided a template for success over the coming months and stated his intention to return to a 4-3-1-2 formation due to the availability of Boateng and fit-again Mario Balotelli.

"I am very happy, I have to thank the guys, we have ended a complicated week in the best way," he told a news conference.

"I hope this half of the season will be the round of revenge and vengeance. The goal is to try to play this way and climb up the rankings.

"When we have everyone available, my idea is to return to 4-3-1-2. Boateng and Balotelli have shown that when they are well they make the difference. Prince deserves this."Mihajlovic's squad could be bolstered further in January according to Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani, who discussed a number of transfer targets.

Galliani said River Plate left-back Leonel Vangioni could arrive this month, while interest in Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel would most likely wait until the close season.

"Let's see if we can anticipate the arrival of Vangioni from River in January," he told Mediaset Premium. "Witsel I do not think it will move now, but he may do so in July."

Galliani added that a move for Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia was "more no than yes" and expressed an interest in Ajax winger Anwar El Ghazi – with the caveat that Alessio Cerci and Stephan El Shaarawy must be moved on before any move for the Dutch international would be considered.

El Shaarawy is reportedly a target for Roma after he fell out of favour in his season-long loan at Monaco, but Galliani claimed the Ligue 1 side would have activated an obligation to buy the attacker in the loan deal had he made 25 appearances.

The Italy international played 24 times before being frozen out, leading the Milan chief to criticise Monaco's behaviour."Monaco at game 25 had the obligation to buy El Shaarawy," Galliani added."They made him play 24 games and they don't want him to play anymore, they told us this.

"He was a minute away from being bought. The media can define their behaviour. Calling it 'bizarre' is putting it nicely."

 

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Man Utd players were screaming at half-time, admits Schneiderlin

Manchester United's players were involved in a shouting match at half-time of Sunday's 1-0 victory over Liverpool, midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has admitted.

Louis van Gaal's side struggled to gain the upper hand against their bitter rivals at Anfield but snatched a winner 12 minutes from time with their only shot on target of the game.

Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho subsequently claimed to French television that United's players were rattled at the break and Schneiderlin admits there were some fiery exchanges prior to an improved second-half display.

"In the first half, we didn't win enough second balls. Sometimes we won the first ball but not the second ball," he told MUTV.

"When we came into the dressing room after the first half, there was some screaming and shouting but of course that is normal because in a derby you cannot lose the battle.

"Liverpool are a very high-pressing team and we knew if we kept a clean sheet we would have a chance to win the game.

"In the second half we did what we had to do. We scored one goal, stayed strong and, at the end, it is three points which is amazing."

Rooney's fourth goal in three Premier League matches proved the difference and Schneiderlin hopes he continues his strong form in 2016 so far in order to keep United in the trophy hunt.

He added: "Wayne is still the main figure at the club, he's the one guy who has scored so many goals in his career and he will keep doing it. Sometimes you have spells where you don't score but he has kept the smile on his face and trained hard.

"You saw his two goals against Newcastle were very good and today he scored another amazing goal. We need him in the second half of the season if we are to achieve something special."

 

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De Gea fully committed to Manchester United despite Real links - Schneiderlin

Morgan Schneiderlin insists David de Gea is fully committed to Manchester United despite the goalkeeper again being linked with Real Madrid.

The Spain international saw a proposed deadline-day move to the Santiago Bernabeu fall through last year and has since re-established himself as United's number one, and was named man of the match in a 1-0 win away to Liverpool on Sunday.

Madrid have been hit by Fifa sanctions, which are due to take effect after the current transfer period and will prevent Zinedine Zidane's club from registering players during the next two windows, prompting suggestions they could attempt to revive their failed move for the 25-year-old this month.

But Schneiderlin is not concerned about his team-mate's future, telling MUTV:"David is a very important player in our squad. We are very happy to have him and happy that he didn't go last summer. He is fully committed to this football club.

"When you have a player like this in goal, it's good for us because we know we are not going to concede many goals and he is going to make some saves. Well done to him."

United's win at Anfield took them back to within two points of fourth-placed Tottenham in the Premier League table.

 

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Under-fire Mignolet pens new long-term Liverpool deal

Simon Mignolet has finalised a new long-term deal with Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp's repeated insistence that he is more than happy with the goalkeeper.

The Belgian, who has received unwavering support from his manager despite constant criticism from pundits and the club's fan base, extended his stay on Merseyside until 2021 on Monday evening.

Klopp has rubbished speculation that he is looking to recruit a new No.1 on numerous occasions, with Stoke's Jack Butland, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Timo Horn all linked with a move to Anfield.

The Reds boss described Mignolet as "one of the smartest goalkeepers I've ever had," but the 27-year-old's extension will only draw intensified scrutiny over his shortcomings.

Klopp has been quick to deflect blame away from the former Sunderland man, taking responsibility for Mignolet's error in the 2-2 draw with West Brom back in December when when he failed to punch a Chris Brunt corner away, allowing Craig Dawson to convert.

The German trainer also pointed to the mistakes in the build-up to Arsenal's goals in the entertaining 3-3 draw on Wednesday, rather than faulting the Belgium international.

Liverpool have conceded more from corner situations than any other side in the Premier League with Klopp well aware of his side's weakness in dealing with balls in the air.


Part of the problem is Mignolet's inability to command his area, often preferring to punch clear when catching would be a better option.

Klopp, however, believes he is still young enough for his position to improve.


Mignolet is five games away from recording a century of top-flight appearances for Liverpool.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ranieri strips Mahrez of Leicester penalty duties

Claudio Ranieri has confirmed he has stripped Riyad Mahrez of penalty duties following his miss against Aston Villa.

The Algeria international has been in sparkling form this season, but has twice missed from the spot to cause Leicester City to drop Premier League points.Mahrez's effort was saved by Mark Bunn in the 1-1 draw with Villa and he also failed to convert against AFC Bournemouth in a 0-0 draw on January 2.

"He was a little sad. I said to him: 'Come on man, even champions miss penalties, just concentrate on keeping your form going'," Ranieri said.

"I said: 'You have to stay calm. Don't worry, I'm happy with you. It doesn't matter'.

"It was a good chat with him. I spoke to him and said I'm going to change things for now to take the pressure off and when I think the time is right I'd give it back to him."I don't know who is going to take them. I will speak to the players. Leo Ulloa took some last season but it could be Jamie Vardy, I will speak to him."

Leicester are expected to complete the signing of Ghana international Daniel Amartey in the coming days but Ranieri would not be drawn on when the transfer will be completed."I will only speak when players actually join us. Until then people must wait. But I do want good players and Amartey is one of those," he said.

Leicester host Tottenham in the FA Cup third-round replay at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday.

 

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Ronaldo: Messi owes me!

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo affirmed that he now enjoys a better relationship with Lionel Messi, while pointing out that he is still awaiting payment for translation services at the Ballon d'Or.

The pair have long been rivals for football's most coveted individual prizes, with either Messi or Ronaldo taking the last eight Ballon d'Or trophies.

But speaking after Madrid's 5-1 demolition of Sporting Gijon, the Portuguese striker insisted that any supposed tensions with the Barcelona man had thawed.


"We have become closer, we have always enjoyed a good relationship but perhaps in the last few years it has become a little closer," he told reporters at the Bernabeu.

Messi and Ronaldo shared the stage alongside Neymar at the Ballon d'Or presentation ceremony in Zurich, and the former Manchester United revealed that he had come to the Barcelona pair's rescue.

"When we were up there on the stage neither Messi nor Neymar speaks English, and I was their translator," he laughed.

"I spoke with them later and told them not to forget to pay me later for the translation!"

 

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Busquets excited by Barca's pursuit of Nolito

Sergio Busquets believes the potential arrival of Nolito would serve as a massive boost to Barcelona’s push for titles this season.

It’s widely accepted that the Celta Vigo forward is Luis Enrique’s top target this month, with the two clubs currently thought to be in negotiations regarding a deal.
Speaking at an event on Monday, Busquets gave his backing to the signing.

“Nolito would bring balance on the wings, as he doing with Celta Vigo,” he said.
“Plus he is a player who knows the club and the system - he is a really good player.”

The Barca midfielder also said that Luis Suarez’s Copa del Rey ban is “unfair, but that’s the referee’s word and you can’t do anything else [about it].”Suarez has served the first of a two-game for allegedly inciting a bust up in the tunnel after the game against Espanyol, but the club hope an appeal will free him up to play against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi is also a doubt for that quarter-final first leg tie after picking up an injury in the La Liga win over Athletic on Sunday.“We hope that they can play because they would be two important players to be without,” Busquets added.

He also said there’s no rush to sign a new deal: “The club have said it will happen, but there’s no hurry. I feel really good here.”

 

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'I want to retire at Madrid' - Modric quashes Bayern rumours

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric wants to end his career at the Santiago Bernabeu rather than reunite with former coach Carlo Ancelotti at Bayern Munich next season.

Modric's contract expires in 2018 and has been linked with a move to Bayern, who will be coached by former Madrid boss Ancelotti from the end of the season following Pep Guardiola's planned departure.

But the Croatia international dismissed the idea of leaving Madrid, instead talking up the prospect of emulating current Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane by retiring at the club.

"I've seen that [Bayern link] mentioned in the press but it's only a rumour," he told Sportske Novosti."The whole squad had a really good relationship with Ancelotti. I'm still in touch with him but there has been no talk whatsoever of a move to Bayern.

"My idea is to remain at the club until my contract expires in 2018. All my future plans are related to Real Madrid and there are no other clubs on my mind. I'm so happy here along with my family.

"Few players have ended their career here, Zidane being one of the exceptions. I'd like to be one of those players too, but time will tell what the future holds."Zidane was handed the reins at Madrid after Rafael Benitez's exit earlier this month - the Frenchman tasked with resurrecting the club's La Liga title hopes.

Modric was among those said to be unhappy with Benitez's methods during a difficult seven-month spell but the 30-year-old has suggested his team-mates have struggled for fitness at times this season."We failed to secure the results that were expected of us," he added. "Each person will have their own particular viewpoint on the results but I feel that physically we weren't in good shape.

"Our pre-season tour of China and Australia was too quick. We spent more time in the air than we did training. This is a problem as it later impacts when the season starts.

"There was a level of mutual respect [with Benitez] and we had a professional relationship from day one. I gave my all for the team and I am sorry about his circumstances. However, that’s the way things are and I wish him all the best."

 

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Rodgers: Top-class Van Gaal CAN lead Man Utd to the title

Former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes the Premier League title is not out of reach for Manchester United and Louis Van Gaal.

A 1-0 win over Rodgers' ex-employers has raised spirits at Old Trafford, after a start to the season tainted by poor results and a lack of goals.

And when questioned over whether Van Gaal could still walk off with the trophy, the manager admitted there was still a possibility.


"If any team in the second part of the season can put a run together then they'll feel that they can [win the title]," he told Sky Sports.

"It's a very open league this season. It's a huge win for them. They kept the clean sheet, they probably weren't so bothered about how they played.

"They got the three points and they'll look at where they sit in the table and feel if they get a run of eight, nine, ten wins they can be in with a great chance."

Rodgers continued by heaping praise on the United manager, who has endured fierce criticism due to the club's underwhelming first half of 2015/16.

"[Van Gaal] is a top-class manager. He's hugely experienced. He's worked with some of the biggest clubs in the world and he's won big games," he explained.

"When you're at the big clubs it's not just about the winning, it's about the style in which you play. Obviously that's been the criticism that's been labelled at him.

"But in terms of management I think he's a top-class manager and has been for many years."

 

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'Godlike' Zidane will have time to become Real Madrid's Guardiola, says Ivan Campo

Zinedine Zidane will be given time to become Real Madrid's own Pep Guardiola, according to former defender Ivan Campo.

The former France star replaced Rafael Benitez at the helm at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month and has overseen 5-0 and 5-1 wins in his first two Liga matches in charge.

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke of a better sense of understanding between the senior squad and Zidane compared to Benitez's time in charge, and Campo - who won the Champions League alongside Zidane in 2002 - believes the 43-year-old's relationship with the players could see him replicate the remarkable success of Guardiola during his time with Barcelona.

"Zizou is a god! I think that some of the problems affecting Real Madrid are going to be solved immediately," he enthused to the International Business Times.

"In order to succeed in a huge team it is mandatory to know what goes on inside the dressing room. Football stars want to play week in week out, but only 11 can play. You need something else than knowing how hard it is to deal with this situation.

"You need to show experience and convey respect. We have seen many situations where it all fell apart because the manager was not able to convey respect; that is the main difference between Zidane and Benitez, for example.

"You can tell him anything even if you are not playing and you are, for instance, Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez or Gareth Bale. As a footballer, you can only be happy because he is very approachable and he understands all kinds of situations.

"Joy in the dressing room is essential to succeed in a top club, and Zidane has brought happiness from the first day.

"The players are going to be much calmer under Zidane. A couple of words will be enough to leave everything clear. It is easier to persuade Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale or Karim Benzema to press the rivals if you are Zidane.

"He did not like to run but he did not understand football without the ball, which is why he was the first one on the pitch giving 100 per cent in order to recover possession as soon as possible."That has been Real Madrid's philosophy during their whole history. And that is what I expect to see shortly. If Zidane speaks, you listen.

"He is going to succeed because the Bernabeu support adore him and he knows what is required for success at the club; communication, respect and calmness inside the dressing room.

"I know he might have to deal with a Fifa transfer ban, and that Madrid are now in third position, but supporters and club are looking for their own Pep Guardiola. He will be given time and patience to do his job."

 

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Inter confirm Vidic contract terminated

Inter have confirmed that they have reached a mutual agreement with Nemanja Vidic to terminate the Serbian centre-back's contract.

A statement released on the club's official website read: "Inter announces that it has reached an agreement for the mutual termination of the contract with Nemanja Vidic. “The Serbian defender, at Inter since July 2014, has racked up 28 appearances for Inter and scored one goal."

Vidic himself added: "I thank all the Nerazzurri family and fans. I wish you great success for the future. Always Forza Inter!"

Now 34, Vidic joined the Serie A club after eight successful years in England with Manchester United. He played 300 games for the Red Devils, helping them to win five Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup, among other trophies.

Vidic is reportedly weighing up offers from America ahead of the start of the MLS season in March, but he has not yet made any comment about his next move.

 

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Boost for Man Utd as Januzaj dazzles in U21s appearance

Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj produced an impressive performance for the club's U21 side as he scored two goals and grabbed an assist in a 4-0 win over Southampton.

The Belgium international only recently arrived back in Manchester after an unsuccessful loan spell with Bundesliga side Dortmund, where he struggled to make an impact on Thomas Tuchel's first team and made just 12 appearances.

But the 20-year-old has returned to match action in England in great style, as he produced an excellent display for Warren Joyce's United U21 side before he was replaced after 81 minutes.

Januzaj opened the scoring against the Saints in the Under-21 Premier League clash as he received a pass from Will Keane before cutting inside on his left foot and slotting an effort into the corner of the net.

The United winger was involved in the second as he set Guillermo Varela away - the young Uruguayan full-back crossing over for Will Keane who made no mistake with the header to make it 2-0.

Saints goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga then denied another first-team fringe player a stunning goal as he saved well from Andreas Pereira although it would soon be three as Keane tucked home a penalty won by the impressive Januzaj.

The Belgian then added his second, and United's fourth, of the night as he smashed a left-footed effort into the net after 79 minutes to complete what had been a productive workout for the 20-year-old that will have surely not gone unnoticed by Louis van Gaal.

 

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Ribery taking no risks with injury

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery says he is not willing to take any risks by rushing back to action as he looks to regain full fitness.

Ribery has played just an hour of football since early March 2015 due to ongoing muscle and ankle issues. The France international made a return in December but lasted just a quarter of an hour and has been out of action since.

The 32-year-old is back in training but is cautious about going too hard due to his injury history.

"I'm feeling good," Ribery told the official Bayern website. "It's very cold, but I'm happy when I can put on my boots and be out on the pitch."The muscle is okay again. But we don't want to take any risks. Not too fast!"

It is unclear when Ribery will return to the field but the winger is hopeful he can start doing sprints "soon".

Bayern, who have an eight point gap over second-placed Borussia Dortmund in the table, travel to face Hamburg when the Bundesliga resumes on Friday.

 

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Lahm wants to win treble for Guardiola

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm wants to win the treble this season to give outgoing coach Pep Guardiola a fairytale ending to his reign.

Guardiola recently announced he will leave the Allianz Arena at the end of the season when his three-year deal comes to an end, after revealing his desire to coach in the Premier League.

Lahm admits he will be sad to see him go, but hopes to give him a trophy-laden send off.

"Anyone who knows FC Bayern and our history as well as our recent seasons knows we can play for the title in all competitions and win them.Our aim is always to go for the maximum and get all three titles, but we know how difficult that is.

"It is now January and in May the prizes will be handed out. Of course it would be perfect to go home with all three titles at the end of Guardiola’s time, we all have that aim."

Former Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti will replace Guardiola at Bayern and Lahm is looking forward to learning from another top manager.

"I have had a lot of top coaches, from Germany like [Ottmar] Hitzfeld, [Felix] Magath, [Jupp] Heynckes, and international greats like [Louis] Van Gaal, Pep Guardiola now and then another one coming in Carlo Ancelotti, who has won the Champions League on a number of occasions," Lahm told SC.

"So I definitely look forward to that, but on the other hand I have had and still have a very good time with Pep. We understand each other well and it is enjoyable to play under him.

"But I have been playing since I was six and players and coaches come and go, so it is a natural part of the way things go and you accept and respect these decisions."

 

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Xhaka: I could leave Gladbach for a top club

Granit Xhaka says he could make a step up to a bigger club from Borussia Monchengladbach, but insists he will not leave to simply sit on the bench for a European giant.

The Switzerland international midfielder has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, following his displays in the Bundesliga.Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl claimed late last week that the 23-year-old, who has also reportedly been tracked by Bayern Munich, could be allowed to leave Borussia Park for the right price.

But Xhaka insists he will not give up his place as club captain and first-choice midfielder in order to sit on the sidelines for a major side.

"Gladbach are a top club," he told Bild. "But if I were someday to go to a top, top, top club, I want to play there."I'm not the type to be on the bench."

Xhaka has made 23 appearances in all competitions for Andre Schubert's side so far this season.

 

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'Simeone can be Atletico's Ferguson'

Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran has backed Diego Simeone to establish a legacy at the club to rival that of Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

The former Argentina international has delivered stunning success in his first four years in charge at the Vicente Calderon, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Europa League, as well as reaching the Champions League final in 2014.

Simeone's exploits have seen him linked with a possible move away from Atletico, with United touted as one possible destination should they decide to call time on Louis van Gaal's spell in charge.

But Juanfran believes the 45-year-old could aim to match United icon Ferguson by staying in charge of the same side for years to come, telling Onda Cero: "He doesn't give me the feeling that he can leave. He signed until 2020 and he can extend that, for him there is no better team than ours.

"He feels what this club is - why can't he be the Ferguson of Atleti?"

Atletico have seen city rivals Real Madrid appoint Zinedine Zidane as head coach in the past month but, despite two wins and 10 goals scored in his first two matches in charge, Juanfran has little doubt that Simeone is the world's finest.

"I've heard that they're more comfortable with him. It's clear they're getting good results, they're going to fight for all competitions. [But] we have the best coach in the world," he said.
With Atletico currently top of La Liga after 20 matches, Juanfran has dismissed the suggestion that they do not play an appealing brand of football in order to get results.

"What is playing well?" he said. "For us it's to defend well, to feel good when the goalkeeper has little to do, to counter-attack well, that Koke moves between the lines and [Antoine] Griezmann is decisive, as happened yesterday [on Sunday against Las Palmas].

"Atletico play well the way I look at it. A fan of Barca or Madrid won't like us but our way of playing is what we want.
"La Liga is the strongest of all. To compete with Barca and Madrid is the most difficult thing. They are strong, with great teams behind us, like Valencia, Sevilla, Villarreal...

"Hopefully we stay there [top] for a few weeks. Then we'll say we're aiming for the title."

Atletico visit Camp Nou on January 30 for what could prove to be a pivotal game in the Liga title race, and Juanfran is looking forward to facing Barca forward Neymar once again.


"In some games I've stopped him and in others I haven't," added the 31-year-old. "There are games where he's good and others were he's not so good, hopefully in two weeks he won't be. And what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch."

 

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Monreal signs new Arsenal contract

Arsenal have rewarded Nacho Monreal for his fine form this season with a "new long-term contract".

The 29-year-old has been an ever-present for Arsene Wenger's side in the Premier League this season, having failed to play the full 90 minutes in just one game - a 2-0 win over Bournemouth in December.

And the left-back, who joined the Gunners from Malaga in 2013, says he was delighted to extend his deal, which was set to expire in 2017, adding that Wenger was a key reason for him signing on the dotted line.

"I'm really happy because my intention was to keep playing for Arsenal," he told Arsenal Player. "I feel really good playing here.

"I have a good relationship with my team-mates and we keep improving year after year. I wanted to stay here and I could extend my contract. I would like to play here for many more years.

"The trust of the Arsenal fans is really important for us because they are helping us in every moment as we are fighting to win the Premier League.

"I met the boss three years ago and I have a really good relationship with him and I'm really happy with him. For these reasons I extended my contract."

 

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Raul open to Real Madrid presidential role

Real Madrid icon Raul says he will not rule out taking up any position, including that of president, when he decides to return to the club.

The 38-year-old remains a hero at the Santiago Bernabeu club, lifting numerous trophies and becoming the club's record goalscorer with 323 strikes – a total only bettered by Cristiano Ronaldo.

After spells at Schalke, Al Sadd and the New York Cosmos, Raul opted to call time on his glittering playing career last December.

The former Spain international has since taken on the role of La Liga ambassador to the United States, a position he remains solely focused on for the time being.

However, further down the line the 38-year-old envisages a return to Real Madrid, and even suggested it could be in a presidential capacity."I do not rule out any position in football," Raul told El Larguero. "Not even the president.

"Having a successful career as a player does not ensure that you will be a good coach, I have to prepare myself."Madrid have always kept their doors open and I have a good relationship with the president. It is I who has taken the decision to remain in New York.

"There will be a time to return to Real Madrid but I'm in the right place. I am still thinking of Real Madrid and I hope they continue winning titles."

Raul praised the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as coach following the dismissal of Rafael Benitez, stating he already sees a difference in the team and feels the Frenchman can lead them to success."With the change of coach, the team is more cheerful and playing good football.

When you change coach it's because things have not gone well," he added."With Zidane the team will have many more options to win important things like La Liga and the Champions League.

"He had been with the group, with Carlo Ancelotti, he knew them and it was a great opportunity to raise the morale of the team."In the last two games they are much happier doing things that in recent months they did not."

 

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Real Madrid confirm Bale injury

Real Madrid have confirmed that Gareth Bale has suffered a calf injury after undergoing tests at a hospital.

The winger scored in the 5-1 win over Sporting Gijon on Saturday but limped off before half-time after complaining of discomfort in his leg.

After further tests, Madrid have released a statement revealing the extent of his problem, but stopped short of confirming his length of absence.

"After tests on Gareth Bale at the University Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja, the player has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the soleus of the right leg. The severity of the injury will depends how it evolves."

The injury couldn't have come at a worse time for Bale, with the forward enjoying some of his finest form since joining the club in 2013.

The 26-year-old has scored five goals in his last three games, meaning he has found the back of the net 15 times for club and country so far this season.