..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd show off Pogba in FIFA 17

Paul Pogba may have only recently finalised his move to Manchester United, but he has already been captured in the Red Devils shirt in FIFA 17.

The ex-Juventus midfielder completed a £93.8 million transfer in the early hours of Tuesday morning, after weeks of speculation over his future.

And, after announcing a new partnership with EA Sports, United were quick to show off what their new record signing will look like in his new kit.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Sunderland sign Man Utd duo McNair & Love

Sunderland have completed the signings of Manchester United pair Paddy McNair and Donald Love for a combined fee of £5.5 million.

The defensive duo have signed four-year contracts at the Stadium of Light to reunite with former United boss David Moyes, who succeeded Sam Allardyce as manager in July.

"Sunderland AFC have completed the double signing of Paddy McNair and Donald Love from Manchester United for a fee of £5.5 million," the club confirmed in a statement.

"The versatile 21-year-olds have both put pen-to-paper on four-year deals and become David Moyes’ second and third signings as Sunderland manager."

Moyes told the club's website: "Paddy is a young, athletic player who is improving all the time. He has experience for Northern Ireland and we want to bring as many international players to the club as we can.

"Donald comes highly recommended and is another young player who I hope can develop and improve here."I want to add some young players to the squad as well as some senior players and both of them have got really good potential and the opportunity to improve.

"I want to bring in players who are here for the long-term as well as the short and hopefully these two are here for the long-term."McNair made his United debut in the 2-1 win over West Ham in September 2014, and went on to make a total of 24 Premier League appearances under Louis van Gaal.

After making two appearances in Northern Ireland's Euro 2016 campaign, the 21-year-old was reportedly among a group of senior players who were told by new United boss Jose Mourinho that they would not be in his plans.Love, also 21, made one league appearance for United last season, coming on as a first-half substitute against his new club in a 2-1 defeat in February.

The duo are Moyes' second and third signings of the transfer window, following the £8million arrival of Papy Djilobodji from Chelsea.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations & Good Luck for McNair & Love!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mustafi agrees personal terms with Arsenal

Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi has agreed personal terms with Arsenal ahead of a move to the Emirates Stadium, with the deal expected to go through this coming weekend.

Arsene Wenger has been keen to bolster his defensive options after injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel. Laurent Koscielny has only just returned to training following his Euro 2016 exploits with France.

Having spent two days in talks at Valencia's training ground, Mustafi's agent has now confirmed a deal is getting closer, with Arsenal only needing to agree a fee with Valencia to complete the move.

"Shkodran and Arsenal have reached an agreement, the clubs now only have to agree on the fee," Ali Bulut told Spox.

Goal revealed on Wednesday that Arsenal had been pressing to land Mustafi before they face Liverpool in their Premier League opener on Sunday.The Gunners must sign Mustafi by 11:00 BST on Friday for the 24-year-old to be registered in time to face Jurgen Klopp's side on home soil.

Mustafi will become Arsenal's fourth summer signing, should he secure a move to north London, following the earlier arrivals of Granit Xhaka, Takuma Asano and Rob Holding.

The Germany international started his career at Everton before joining Valencia in 2014 after a short stint with Sampdoria.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi will not reverse Argentina retirement - Maradona

Diego Maradona believes Lionel Messi will not reverse his decision to quit the national team due to the "weak leadership" of the Argentine Football Federation (AFA).

The five-time Ballon D'Or winner announced his retirement from international duty in June after missing from the spot in Argentina's penalty shoot-out defeat to Chile in the Copa America Centenario, La Albiceleste's third major final defeat in as many years.

Former Sao Paulo manager Edgardo Bauza, who replaced Gerardo Martino at the helm earlier this month, travelled to Spain on Wednesday to discuss Messi's future but Maradona believes the Barcelona forward will not go back on his decision."I think Messi is going to say no to Bauza. This is my thinking. Maybe I'm wrong," Maradona told Radio La Red.

Messi's shock announcement came just days after he described the AFA as a "disaster" on his official Instagram account after the team's flight to New Jersey for the Copa final was delayed.

And Maradona believes the latest dispute, coupled with Argentina winning just three of their opening six qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, reflects the extent of the problems within the governing body."We are very bad. We run the risk of not going to Qatar," the 1986 World Cup winning captain said. "I've never seen such weak leadership.

"What happened with Messi exposes what's been going on for a lifetime. How is it that the families of the [AFA] leaders are more comfortable than the players?"Maradona announced he was seeking an audit of the AFA last month, describing the governing body as a 'mafia'.

Argentina suffered a further blow on Wednesday, exiting the Olympic Games at the group stage following a 1-1 draw with Honduras.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

England announce Spain friendly

England will face Spain in a friendly at Wembley on Tuesday, November 15.

Both nations will begin new eras this season, with Sam Allardyce having replaced Roy Hodgson as England manager following their last-16 exit at Euro 2016, while Julen Lopetegui was installed as Vicente del Bosque's successor after Spain bowed out at the same stage in their bid to win a third consecutive European title.Spain won the previous meeting between the sides, 2-0 in Alicante last November thanks to goals from Mario Gaspar and Santi Cazorla.

Frank Lampard scored the only goal when England triumphed in the previous Wembley meeting five years ago.
The fixture is scheduled to be the final game played by either country in 2016 and follows home November World Cup qualifiers against rivals Scotland for England and Macedonia for Spain.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sissoko: I'm waiting for Real Madrid to sign me

Newcastle United star Moussa Sissoko has set his heart on a transfer to Real Madrid and insists he is waiting for the Champions League winners to make their move.

The 26-year-old, who impressed for France in their run to the final of Euro 2016, has been linked with a move away from St James' Park since Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League last season.Liverpool were reportedly considering a £35million bid some weeks ago, while Madrid and Juventus have also emerged as reported admirers of the midfielder.

And Sissoko has admitted he is hoping to receive a call from Zinedine Zidane before the transfer window closes on August 31."I hope Real will come for me. I'm still waiting," he told the BBC World Service.

"If Real Madrid are interested in you, then of course you will be happy, but right now I am still a Newcastle player."Sissoko hopes Newcastle fans understand his desire to move to a major club after spending three and a half years on Tyneside.

"They need to understand," he said. "I gave everything for this club and I want to play some big games. For that I need to go somewhere else."I want to play in the Premier League, I want to play for a big club who can get into the Champions League. That's why I said I want to leave this year.

"I've spent a lot of time here and now it's time to look forward. The fans need to understand my situation. I hope they will and that everything will be okay."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

McNair thanks Man United fans after joining Sunderland

Paddy McNair has thanked Manchester United fans for their support after he departed to join Sunderland.

The 21-year-old had been with the Red Devils for five years, making his Premier League debut in the 2014-15 campaign under Louis van Gaal and made 24 appearances in the division since then.The Northern Ireland international, however, has left Old Trafford this summer, joining the Black Cats as part of a £5.5 million double signing with Donald Love.

And McNair was quick to thank the club and the supporters for helping him grow, adding he is looking forward to the challenge that awaits him at the Stadium of Light as he teams up with ex-United boss David Moyes.

"I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the fans at Manchester United," he said on Instagram. "It was my dream to play for the club and to have played at Old Trafford with the United shirt on is something I will never forget."Also I want to say thank you to all the staff at United who have helped me over the years, from joining as a small boy to playing in the first team.

"It was a difficult decision to leave the club but I want to progress and play regular first team football at the highest level I can. I’ve joined a huge club in Sunderland and I can’t wait to get out and give my all to my new supporters."McNair and Love both signed five year contracts with Sunderland.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Emery: Matuidi is among the world's best

Unai Emery says Blaise Matuidi is central to his plans at Paris Saint-Germain as the Ligue 1 champions prepare to start their title defence at Bastia on Friday.

France midfielder Matuidi has been linked with a move to Juventus, with speculation intensifying on the back of his international team-mate Paul Pogba's world-record switch to Manchester United.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi stated earlier this week that the club would not consider selling Matuidi, labelling him as "a pillar of the team" and coach Emery was similarly fulsome in his praise for the 29-year-old, who has also recently been touted as a target for Chelsea.

"I want the best players with me, Blaise Matuidi is one of them," Emery told a news conference."I do not take the decision alone, there are three parts: the club, the player and me. I want him to stay here.

"He's an important player for me because he represents the identity of the team. You have to see what the player wants. The club will see if there is ever an offer from another club."

Former Sevilla boss Emery got his reign in the French capital off to a spectacular start last weekend as his side ran out 4-1 winners over Lyon in the Trophee des Champions.

He could bolster his forward line by including Jese Rodriguez, who completed his transfer from Real Madrid on Monday, although the match comes too soon for fellow striker Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguay international is still nursing a thigh injury and will target next Sunday's meeting with Metz at the Parc des Princes, while captain and centre-back Thiago Silva will also have that fixture in his sights as he continues to recover from a hip complaint.

"Jese worked well this week and he has made all the preparation with Real Madrid," Emery said."He will be in the squad for Bastia. He is in the 19 players who will leave. There is a possibility he plays."

Emery would not be drawn on which goalkeeper will start the match at the Stade de Furiani, with regular number one Kevin Trapp facing competition from Alphonse Areola, who impressed on loan at Villarreal last season and is pushing for inclusion against his former club."You know my opinion, I want two good goalkeepers," he added. "The season is very long, there are a lot of competitions and games.

"I trust my two goalkeepers. If Areola plays I'm sure he will have a good match, as will Kevin Trapp. First I have to talk to them before I say [who will play]."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Milan will rise under new owners - Berlusconi

Silvio Berlusconi has told fans of AC Milan that the group acquiring his majority stake in the club has the "resources and the will" to make the Rossoneri one of the world's best teams once again.

Chinese consortium Sino-Europe Sports Investment Management Changxing has agreed to purchase Berlusconi's 93.93 per cent stake in the San Siro club, and the group has committed to investing €350million in the team over the next three seasons.

Berlusconi, who saved Milan from bankruptcy when he acquired the club in February 1986, delivered five European Cups among 28 trophies during his 30 years in charge and he posted an emotional farewell message to the team's supporters on Facebook.

He said: "Thirty years ago I bought Milan as an act of love. I'm selling for an act of even greater love: I'm entrusting the team to a group which has the necessary resources and the will to invest to bring Milan back to competing with the big international clubs."Naturally, I'm moved and saddened, but also calm in my belief that I have once again acted for the good of Milan, and I'll continue to be their most ardent fan.

"These 30 years will remain in my heart, with great memories which can't be equalled. I was privileged to lead the team I love until it became the most successful club in the world."

Milan have won eight Serie A titles with Berlusconi at the helm in an era that saw great Italian players like Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta write their names into the club's history.

Berlusconi and vice president Adriano Galliani developed a reputation for bringing the best players from around the world to San Siro, including Marco van Basten, Andriy Shevchenko and Kaka, but the club has gone five years without winning the title and has finished outside the top three in Serie A for three consecutive seasons.

"Memories and thanks go to the great players, coaches and directors who have succeeded here," Berlusconi continued. "Many of them will go down in football legend, having helped to write extraordinary victories in Italy, Europe and worldwide.

"Above all though, I'll never forget the participation and the affection of the fans: the passion of millions of people for the Rossoneri colours was instrumental in making this special team unlike any other, stronger than any other, stronger than injustice, stronger than bad luck.

"I'll be in the stands with them to cheer, and perhaps to suffer, but I'm sure we'll soon be celebrating great new Milan successes together, honouring our great tradition.

"A big hug - and a Rossonero one - to each of you."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho is always cracking jokes - Lingard

Jesse Lingard is enjoying the relaxed atmosphere at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho, stating the manager keeps making jokes in training.

The Portuguese coach replaced Louis van Gaal at the helm of the Premier League side with the intent of bringing the Red Devils back to the pinnacle of English and European football.

The expectation surrounding the club has increased following Mourinho's appointment, but the signings of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and the world record transfer of Paul Pogba has seen the hype surrounding the Old Trafford outfit move up a level.

However, Lingard says the players are still having fun as they prepare for their first Premier League game of the season, with the manager himself being the main source of humour.

"He’s the main coach and the main manager. He takes all the sessions and, while he wants us to work hard, he is always cracking jokes and having banter with the players," Lingard told The Mirror.

"I thought he’d be very strict but, even though he works us hard and his mind is always on the job at all times, he also has a joke with the players."I think that has helped the lads bond with him.

"He has that presence and aura about him, but you can still speak to him about anything and he will always try to help.”Mourinho is targeting the Premier League title in his first season and Lingard admits the ex-Chelsea boss is looking forward to getting the campaign underway.

"He is definitely excited," he added. "Even after the friendly win over Wigan, he was buzzing about the win, with it being his first game."He wants to do everything he can to help us be successful.

"If you look at what he’s done over the years and the teams he’s managed, he’s obviously won a lot of trophies. Hopefully we can help him get a trophy in his first season."We want to be in the Champions League, of course, but our focus is on the title."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Former Manchester United striker delighted to see Pogba back at Old Trafford

Manchester United great Andy Cole hailed his former club's acquisition of Paul Pogba, describing the returning Frenchman as the exact type of player the Premier League giants need.

Pogba completed his prolonged transfer from Serie A champions Juventus to United on Tuesday in world-record deal worth £89million and despite the price for a player who had previously starred in the club's academy, Cole was delighted to see the 23-year-old France international sign.

"He has energy from box to box [which United have lacked]. Of course you are going to miss that! However you look at the modern day game, there aren't many players who can do that and he definitely can," Cole told United's official website.

"It will be good to see how he fits into the team. It has been well documented in recent seasons that United have lacked legs in midfield, a player to get up and down with that power through the middle. It will be nice to have it.

"The fee, well that is how football is nowadays. If you want to get a top individual at a football club then you have to pay fees. Football grosses so much money."If you want to buy a player and they say they want £80m or £90m then you have to pay it.

"I'm just glad we have a top class player at the club, and one who is young enough to play through his best years at Old Trafford."Cole went on to add that he had been impressed with Jose Mourinho's ruthlessness in the transfer market, with Pogba joining Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan at the club.

"Yeah I have been impressed, you have got to be. Some of the signings over the last few years... I don't know if it was a numbers thing, to get bodies in at a certain time," he said.

"But Mourinho has come in and specified the four players he wanted and the club has got them all. That reminds me of my time with Sir Alex Ferguson. He identified a player and, nine times out of 10, got the player."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pogba too expensive for Barcelona - Braida

Barcelona's director of international football Ariedo Braida has claimed the club pulled out of the race to sign Paul Pogba because they felt the France international was too expensive.

Pogba was being strongly linked with a move to Camp Nou before completing a switch to Manchester United from Juventus for a world record £93.8m fee on Tuesday.

And Braida has since revealed the Liga champions were keen to sign the midfielder, but dropped their interest because “no one is worth that kind of money”."Barcelona pulled out of the race to sign Pogba for economic reasons," Braida told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"There is no discussion about his qualities and I think he will assert himself at Manchester United, but there will be criticism each time he is not at his best.People will see the transfer fee and expect him to win games on his own and this is simply not possible.

"Some figures are upsetting. No one is worth that kind of money. When you get to a certain level, we are getting too detached from normal life. We are talking about an operation of €150 million if we include wages.

"You never know how a player will react to being overpriced like that. Maybe it will not even influence him, but the pressure must be enormous."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger refuses to discuss Mustafi move

Arsene Wenger has refused to discuss the club's move for Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi, after the Germany international's agent suggested that an agreement had been reached.

But speaking to the press ahead of the Premier League opener against Liverpool, the Arsenal boss refused to comment.

“I cannot tell you," he told reporters. "Today my focus is not too much on transfers because we have an important game in 48 hours and to win this game, transfers won’t help us.

"We have a strong squad and have to deal with the game.

“We have lost three centre-backs because Laurent Koscielny is also not ready and out of the game but I believe we are equipped to do well.

"Transfer wise, as soon as we do something we will inform you.”

But Wenger was more forthcoming on his intentions in the transfer market, confirming that the club are chasing a defender.

"I am looking at no other areas apart from centre-back, it’s about quality," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pogba ban delays Manchester United debut

Manchester United fans will have to wait to see Paul Pogba in action for the first time after the Football Association announced the world's most expensive player is to serve a one-match ban.

The 23-year-old's two bookings in last season's Coppa Italia, in the win over Inter in March and the final against AC Milan on May 21 in his final outing for Juve, has been transferred across to England.

Pogba was not expected to start against Bournemouth on Sunday, being tipped for a place on the bench having only recently returned from holiday, but will now miss the trip to Dean Court.

Pogba could now make his first appearance in a United shirt against Southampton at Old Trafford the following Friday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Januzaj joins Sunderland on loan

David Moyes has confirmed that Sunderland have brought in Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj on a season-long loan.

The Belgium international was handed his break with United when Moyes was in charge at Old Trafford, but struggled for game-time under Louis van Gaal.

Januzaj also had an unsuccessful loan move to Borussia Dortmund last season, and the Sunderland boss has confirmed this latest temporary switch in a pre-match news conference ahead of his side's opener at Manchester City.

"Adnan will give us a different variation," Moyes said. "I have to get him back to the level he played at two years ago - he will get every opportunity to do the business. I'm hoping the Sunderland fans will see the real Adnan Januzaj."

The 21-year-old winger will go straight into Sunderland's squad to face City on Saturday, along with fellow new recruits Papy Djilobodji, Paddy McNair and Donald Love.

Januzaj has so far made 50 Premier League appearances for United, with his first professional goals coming against his new club at the Stadium of Light in October 2013.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Good Luck Januzaj!

Januzaj ge future 1ka thiyanne Manchester Unitednot Sunderland.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benitez warns Real Madrid over Sissoko

Rafael Benitez has warned any clubs interested in Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko to make their move quickly amid continued speculation he is set for a transfer to Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old has publicly expressed his wish to leave Newcastle following their relegation to the Championship and openly talked up reported interest from the European champions.

But Benitez insists Newcastle have no need to sell Sissoko, who impressed as France finished as runners-up at Euro 2016 last month, telling Madrid and any other interested teams not to wait until deadline day on August 31 to swoop.

Former Madrid boss Benitez added that a move for Sissoko becomes increasingly unlikely with every passing day, with Newcastle reportedly demanding a £35million fee if they are to sell.

"If someone thinks if they will wait until August 31 it will be easier, I can guarantee them it will be more difficult," he told BBC Sport."If someone wants to come, they have to come now with the right offer and we will analyse that. If not, he is still our player and he carries on working hard.

"Every day will be more difficult because we are happy with him and we don't have to sell."Benitez also urged Sissoko not to publicly court interest from other clubs, with three years still to run on his deal at St James' Park.

He added: "I told Moussa we know how things work in modern football and that is not the right way."I said, 'You are a professional, you are our player, I rate you very highly and I like you as a person - keep working hard and let other people do their business'."

Benitez also confirmed that the player will be included in Newcastle's squad when they host Huddersfield Town on Saturday.Sissoko had told the BBC on Thursday: "I hope Real will come for me, I'm still waiting.

"If Real Madrid are interested in you then of course you will be happy, but right now I am still a Newcastle player."Sissoko played in 37 Premier League matches last season as Newcastle were unable to avoid dropping into the second tier.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Conte has a plan for 'crazy' transfer market

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte feels the transfer market has gone "crazy" and claims many players are overpriced.

Manchester United broke the world transfer record earlier this month when they brought in Paul Pogba from Juventus for an initial fee of €105 million after the Serie A champions had previously spent €90m on Gonzalo Higuain.Chelsea, meanwhile, have already spent big to secure the services of N'Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi and are hopeful of adding more reinforcements to their ranks in the weeks to come.

However, Conte has acknowledged it will not be easy to get the players he wants."I speak with the club every day and we have a plan," the Chelsea manager said at a news conference."The transfer market is a bit crazy. Players in general are very expensive. When you try to buy a player, the transfer fee is not the real valuation of the player.

"We have to be patient to find the right solutions. It's important to keep talking with the club to improve the squad. Something could happen in the future."But I am happy to work with the players we have. They are showing great commitment."

Conte also confirmed promising young attacker Bertrand Traore, who signed a new three-year contract this week, is leaving Chelsea for a one-year loan spell with Ajax."Traore to Ajax is confirmed," he added. "He is going there on loan.

"He is a good player. But we have decided that we want him to play every game and then to return."He is a very good prospect."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pogba deal 'extraordinary', says Allegri

Massimiliano Allegri has called the deal to take Paul Pogba away from Juventus "extraordinary" as he reflects on the Frenchman's time in Turin.The powerhouse midfielder has returned to Manchester United, the club he left to join Juve, after four years in Serie A.

And while Allegri was disappointed to lose his star man, he could not dispute the decision to sell Pogba from a financial standpoint, with the club receiving an initial world record fee of €105million."The club did an extraordinary deal from a financial point of view," he told Juve's official channel.

"I wish him a big 'good luck' and maybe we'll meet in the Champions League in future. He's had great seasons, growing a lot and he can do so again in the future."Now Allegri is hoping to continue the hard work done during Pogba's time in Italy, with the Champions League crown an obvious objective.

"Juve must be competitive to fight on every front, so everyone must go the extra mile to achieve our objectives, which are to win a sixth Scudetto which would see us enter into legend," he added.

"Also, to improve in the Champions League, and go all the way, even if in the last two years we managed to reach the final and play a great last-16 game against Bayern [Munich]."