..::Football IV::..

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Celtic 2 Aberdeen 1: Late Rogic moment of magic seals unbeaten domestic treble

Tomas Rogic's outstanding stoppage-time goal secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Aberdeen in a thrilling Scottish Cup final to cap Brendan Rodgers' first season at Celtic with a remarkable unbeaten domestic treble.

Having already wrapped up the Scottish Premiership and League Cup - with Aberdeen runners-up in both competitions - Rodgers' undefeated side needed no inspiration heading into the final game of what has been a brilliant maiden campaign for the former Liverpool boss.

But, following a week of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of their famous European Cup triumph in Lisbon, Celtic more than met their match in the form of Derek McInnes' Aberdeen at Hampden Park.

In a frantic start, Jonny Hayes wasted little time in putting Aberdeen - chasing their first Scottish Cup triumph in 27 years - ahead as he thumped home Niall McGinn's corner after nine minutes.

Stuart Armstrong made sure Aberdeen's lead was short-lived, though, restoring parity inside two minutes with a superb finish, before a stray elbow from Jayden Stockley forced Kieran Tierney off injured.

Although Kenny McLean squandered a brilliant opportunity for Aberdeen, Celtic dominated proceedings after the interval - Joe Lewis in inspired form to deny both Patrick Roberts and Leigh Griffiths as Rodgers' side failed to make the most of some gilt-edged chances.

Lewis' efforts ultimately proved fruitless, though as, in the 92nd minute, Rogic - at the end of a superb run - produced a fine finish to send the Hoops' faithful into raptures and deliver Celtic's first domestic treble since 2001.

 

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Bologna 1 Juventus 2: Kean's first goal secures win

Moise Kean's first Juventus goal in the dying seconds of the club's Serie A season ensured the champions concluded their victorious league campaign with a 2-1 win at Bologna.

The Bianconeri secured a sixth successive title with a 3-0 victory over Crotone last Sunday, having won the Coppa Italia against Lazio four days earlier, with Massimiliano Allegri's men determined to complete an historic treble against Real Madrid in next weekend's Champions League final.

But Bologna threatened to interrupt their preparation for that showpiece clash, scoring with their first shot on target through Saphir Taider and then defending bravely as Juve looked to hit back.

Paulo Dybala finally found a way past the brilliant Angelo Da Costa, though, and the visitors stole victory in the 94th minute.

Mario Mandzukic won a free-kick and seemed to injure himself in the process - leaving Allegri sweating on his fitness ahead of facing Madrid - and Kean met Miralem Pjanic's delivery with a firm header.

Allegri made six changes to his side but opted against resting Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain, the visiting coach surely wincing as Bologna flew into a number of rugged challenges early on.

Juve soon found some fluency and, following a half-chance for Mattia Destro at the other end, Dybala failed to get the necessary purchase on a close-range finish and Stefano Sturaro strayed offside as he netted.

Higuain then tested Da Costa for the first time with a low drive on the turn, before a fine last-ditch Emil Krafth challenge denied Sturaro a clear shot at goal from Sami Khedira's incisive pass.

Another Higuain blast missed past the left-hand upright shortly before half-time and the forward lofted a cute pass through for Khedira after the restart, the Germany international prodding wide of the other post.

Stand-in Juve keeper Emil Audero had been untroubled but, after 52 minutes, he was beaten in spectacular fashion as Taider, taking possession wide on the left, cut inside to arc a glorious strike into the top-right corner.

Juve renewed their attacking intent as Dybala volleyed wide and then summoned Pjanic and Mandzukic from the bench in the hope of rescuing the points.

Da Costa twice kept out Higuain, though, charging from his line to make a fine tackle 25 yards from goal before holding the former Napoli man's tame header, and saved magnificently from Dybala's curler.But Juve kept the pressure on and, after Da Costa instinctively blocked Higuain's shot, a rebound fell Dybala's way for a simple finish.

Although both sides went looking for a winner, it did not look likely to arrive until Mandzukic won a set-piece for Pjanic to brilliantly plant on Kean's head at the death, the teenager becoming the first player born in the 21st century to score in Serie A.

 

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Arsenal 2 Chelsea 1: Ramsey the hero again as Gunners win record 13th FA Cup

Arsenal celebrated a record 13th FA Cup success as Aaron Ramsey once again grabbed the winner at Wembley, securing a 2-1 victory over 10-man Chelsea and potentially going some way to restoring supporters' faith in the under-fire Arsene Wenger.

Ramsey scored his side's third and crucial goal in the 2013-14 showpiece against Hull City and was the hero again on Saturday, cancelling out Diego Costa's goal a few minutes earlier to secure the win and make Wenger the FA Cup's most successful manager with seven final victories.Another Wembley triumph arguably vindicates Arsenal's reported decision to offer Wenger - out of contract at the end of this term - a new two-year deal despite a season of criticism.

Arsenal's Premier League campaign was a major disappointment as they finished fifth, but they were significantly more impressive in the first half, as Alexis Sanchez gave them an early - if slightly contentious - lead before Mesut Ozil, Danny Welbeck and Ramsey all went agonisingly close to adding more.

Chelsea struggled immensely to cope with Arsenal's intensity and impose themselves, with the Gunners arguably producing their best 45 minutes of 2016-17.

Antonio Conte's men made a marked improvement after the break and became the dominant force, but Victor Moses' second booking and subsequent red card for appearing to dive left Chelsea with a mountain to climb in their bid to prevent Arsenal winning a third FA Cup in four years.

Costa then equalised for Chelsea with 14 minutes to go, seemingly putting the Premier League champions into the driving seat, but Ramsey popped up shortly after to deflate their counterparts and Arsenal held on to lift the trophy.

Arsenal's electric start brought a deserved early goal, controversial though it was.Sanchez charged down N'Golo Kante's clearance on the edge of the area and ran on to the loose ball, getting there just ahead of the offside Ramsey and finding the bottom-right corner, with referee Anthony Taylor eventually allowing the goal to stand despite his assistant raising his flag against the Welshman.

Ozil went desperately close to a second when released into the box in the 16th minute, chipping a delicate finish over the approaching Thibaut Courtois, but Gary Cahill was there to clear off the line.Chelsea then had another lucky escape. Welbeck headed a corner on to the post and Ramsey did exactly the same from a tight angle on the rebound.

Respite for Chelsea came in the form of a Costa half chance that was thwarted by David Ospina, but Arsenal came back again just before the half-hour mark – Welbeck playing a one-two, bundling the ball past Courtois and seeing Cahill block his goal-bound effort.A resurgent Chelsea looked bright at the start of the second half, with Kante and Moses both testing Ospina within five minutes of the restart.

Conte's side remained the dominant force, but Arsenal looked threatening on the break.Hector Bellerin went close just after the hour, seeing a controlled effort palmed away by Courtois after a rapid counter.

And shortly after, Arsenal received a major boost. Moses darted into the right side of the Arsenal area and appeared to dive, with the referee subsequently dismissing the Nigeria international for a second yellow card.

Nevertheless, Chelsea had seemingly ensured the game would go to extra-time when Costa sent a deflected shot past Ospina in the 76th minute.But Ramsey latched on to Olivier Giroud's cross with a fierce header shortly after, burying it beyond the helpless Courtois.

Both sides had further chances, with Ospina brilliantly denying Costa and Ozil hitting the post, but Arsenal just about did enough to cling on.

 

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Congratulations Arsenal!

FA Cup Winners 2017!​

 

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Wenger becomes most successful manager in FA Cup history

Arsene Wenger became the most successful manager in FA Cup history after his Arsenal side downed Chelsea 2-1 to lift the title on Saturday. Goals from Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey sent the Gunners celebrating at Wembley, with the Welshman hitting what proved to be the winner minutes after Diego Costa briefly restored parity.

And the victory brings up a very special record for Wenger, who is now out on his own as the best the world's oldest club competition has ever seen. The Frenchman has now won seven FA Cup titles, more than any other manager in the title's 143 years of existence.

His first success in the competition came in 1997-98, completing the double in his second season in England.

Further wins followed in 2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05, 2013-14 and 2014-15, with the latest triumph bringing him to a total of 10 major trophies with the Gunners.

With 13 FA Cup wins in total, meanwhile, Arsenal are also the most successful club, pulling away from former joint-leaders Manchester United, who boast 12.
The title comes at a critical time for Wenger, with opposition to his 20-year reign in north London stronger than ever.

But despite missing out on Champions League football, the manager has at least added another trophy to Arsenal's collection to end a difficult season on a high.

 

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'Ibrahimovic has many offers' – Raiola hints Man Utd exit may happen

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has plenty of offers to continue his career away from Manchester United, according to his agent Mino Raiola.The Swedish striker, 35, underwent surgery earlier this month to repair a torn knee ligament suffered in April against Anderlecht in the Europa League.

Facing a six-to-nine-month layoff and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, there have been suggestions that Ibrahimovic could call time on his illustrious career.

However, Raiola has insisted that Ibrahimovic would play at least one more season and is likely to stay in Europe - though there's no guarantee he'll remain at Man Utd. "I do not know if he will stay at Manchester United, many clubs want him," Raiola told Sky.

"Ibrahimovic will certainly play for another season or probably two. We will talk about his future with United."He has many offers, certainly he will stay in Europe”.Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals in 46 appearances in his first season with the Red Devils, becoming a key figure for Jose Mourinho's side.

His injury meant he played no part in Wednesday's Europa League final victory, although he celebrated on the pitch with players afterwards.The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward did, however, play a crucial goalscoring role in their League Cup final victory over Southampton earlier in the campaign.

 

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Stay with us Ibra!​

 

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Eintracht Frankfurt 1 Borussia Dortmund 2: Audacious Aubameyang penalty seals DFB-Pokal crown in style

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's sublime penalty proved the difference as Borussia Dortmund ended a run of three successive defeats in DFB-Pokal finals by seeing off a stoic Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1, in what could be Thomas Tuchel's last game as head coach.

Uncertainty remains over Tuchel's future at Signal Iduna Park amid rumours of a fall-out with the club's board, though should Saturday's clash indeed prove the end of tenure then Dortmund at least ensured he will leave on a high.

Ousmane Dembele's superbly taken early goal looked to have set the tone for a Dortmund procession at Berlin's Olympiastadion, only for Ante Rebic to restore parity just before the half-hour mark.

Haris Seferovic's strike seemed destined to put Frankfurt ahead prior to the interval, the woodwork coming to Dortmund's rescue with Roman Burki well beaten.

And Frankfurt were made to pay for failing to make their dominance pay when Aubameyang - widely linked with a move away from Dortmund in the close-season - lofted in a magnificent finish from the spot after Lukas Hradecky's foul on substitute Christian Pulisic.

Aubameyang was just a post's width from doubling his tally in the closing stages, but the miss mattered little as Dortmund saw off a late glut of Frankfurt pressure for a fourth DFB-Pokal triumph in total.

Despite their dismal record in recent DFB-Pokal finals, Dortmund wasted no time in asserting their authority this time around - Dembele capping off a sublime team move with a wonderful turn and finish to put Tuchel's side ahead inside eight minutes.

Seferovic almost got in behind Dortmund's defence as Frankfurt searched for an immediate response, but Shinji Kagawa was on hand to make a perfectly timed intervention.

Dortmund's backline was opened up again soon after - Timothy Chandler failing to hit the target with a close-range header before Burki was forced into action to deny Rebic.

Rebic was not to be thwarted again, though as, having capitalised on shambolic Dortmund defending, the 23-year-old kept his cool to slot home into the bottom-right corner.

While Dortmund were rocked by a knock to Marco Reus, Frankfurt continued to dominate - Rebic teeing up Seferovic for a strike that rattled the left-hand upright.
Reus' injury proved too much for the winger, who - along with Marcel Schmelzer - made way for Pulisic and Gonzalo Castro at the interval.That change almost paid dividends four minutes into the second half, but Pulisic could not react quickly enough to tuck home Kagawa's cross.

With Pulisic looking sharp down the left, Dembele also found space on the opposite flank, and Dortmund's goalscorer did brilliantly to pick out Aubameyang with a looping cross, only for a combination of Marco Fabian and the crossbar to keep out the striker's acrobatic effort.

Aubameyang then kept his cool to score the winner. After conceding the penalty with a clumsy tackle on Pulisic, Frankfurt goalkeeper Hradecky was left embarrassed as Aubameyang dinked home his 40th goal of the season across all competitions.

Burki and Dortmund's defence had to remain steadfast as Frankfurt rallied, though it was Aubameyang who went closest to adding another goal when his strike clipped away off the post as Tuchel's side claimed their first DFB-Pokal crown in five years.

 

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Angers 0 Paris Saint-Germain 1: Cissokho own goal in stoppage time delivers Coupe de France glory

An own goal from Issa Cissokho well into stoppage time helped Paris Saint-Germain to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Angers in Saturday's Coupe de France final at the Stade de France.

The capital side missed a number of chances to take the lead in the opening 45 minutes, Edinson Cavani in particular guilty of wasting some fine opportunities, but the holders, who have now won the competition three years in a row, eventually got their goal in the 91st minute when Cissokho headed into his own net.

The victory somewhat saves the Parisians' disappointing season as they were dethroned as Ligue 1 champions by Monaco, while they were eliminated from the Champions League by Barcelona in the round of 16.

Unai Emery's men did win the Trophee des Champions and Coupe de la Ligue, though, and have now made it three trophies in the Spaniard's first season at the club.

PSG were high on confidence heading into the game, having beaten their opponents 2-0 on two occasions in Ligue 1 action this term, but things were not as straightforward this time around.

Stephane Moulin's side more than held their own and should consider themselves unfortunate following Cissokho's unlucky own goal in the dying seconds of the game.

PSG were in charge right from the off and Blaise Matuidi got an opportunity to open the scoring after just 12 minutes following a clever ball from Angel Di Maria, forcing goalkeeper Alexandre Letellier into a low save.

Cavani was next to threaten for Emery's men, but the Uruguay international aimed his header straight at Letellier, before being denied by the Angers goalkeeper a second time just minutes later after getting his foot to another intelligent ball from Di Maria.

Romain Thomas was then fortunate not to score an own goal when he slid Di Maria's low cross from the left against the upright, before clearing the ball for a corner.

Angers slowly grew into the game from there on and they came close to grabbing a shock lead in the 27th minute, Nicolas Pepe hitting the post with a superb half-volley from outside the area after the PSG defence failed to adequately clear the ball after a free kick.

Di Maria continued to impress after the break and the former Real Madrid star came within inches of breaking the deadlock on the hour mark when he curled a free-kick over the wall and into the side-netting.

PSG continued to dominate proceedings and Cavani should perhaps have scored the opener with five minutes left, shrugging off Ismael Traore after being sent through by Di Maria, only to then fire a low shot just wide of the target.

But there would be late drama after all when Cissokho inadvertently handed PSG the win in the 91st minute, beating his own goalkeeper with a clumsy header after Di Maria's corner.

 

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Barcelona 3 Alaves 1: Messi magic secures Luis Enrique parting gift

Lionel Messi ensured Luis Enrique's Barcelona reign ended with a trophy as he inspired a third consecutive Copa del Rey title with a 3-1 final win over Alaves.
The Barca coach announced his planned departure from Camp Nou at the start of March, with his side then falling short of rivals Real Madrid in LaLiga and Juventus in the Champions League.

But Luis Enrique belatedly added to the sizeable haul of medals collected in his first two years in charge as Messi showed his class in the last game to be played at Atletico Madrid's Vicente Calderon.

Having scraped past Atleti 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals in February, with Sergi Roberto and Luis Suarez both sent off, Barca looked in for a similarly nervy contest as Alaves started well and Theo Hernandez then equalised Messi's opener.

The Basque side had stunned Barca with a 2-1 league success at Camp Nou in September, but this game threatened to bear greater resemblance to a 6-0 away triumph in the reverse fixture as Neymar scored the next goal and Messi teed up Paco Alcacer to put Barca out of sight.

Although Alaves kept the score down after the break, they rarely looked likely to trouble the commanding lead built by Messi and Barca, who will now turn their focus to a board meeting on Monday, after which the club are set to announce Luis Enrique's replacement.

Javier Mascherano was stretchered off after an early clash of heads with Marcos Llorente and, although that collision did not constitute a foul in the eyes of the referee, Alaves' combative approach could have seen Edgar Mendez punished with more than a yellow card when he trod on Samuel Umtiti's leg.

Their tactics were at least effective in limiting Barca's chances in the opening half an hour and Alaves could have taken the lead as Ibai Gomez's shot crept under Jasper Cillessen, spinning off the foot of the left-hand post and rolling agonisingly across the face of goal.

If Fernando Pacheco looked similarly shaky at the other end in booting Andres Iniesta's deflected effort clear, there was little he could do to prevent a typically magical Messi finish, Barca's main man curling into the net from the edge of the box.

But Alaves' spirits were not dampened and they responded with a strike of supreme quality. Hernandez - on loan from Atleti but reportedly destined for Real Madrid - profited from an Iniesta foul as he swept a stunning free-kick over Cillessen and into the top-left corner from the right side of the area.Messi drilled a set-piece of his own straight at Pacheco and Ivan Rakitic drove wide, before Luis Enrique's men accelerated out of sight in the closing minutes of the first half.

Neymar turned Andre Gomes' low centre across the line to restore his side's lead and Messi's terrific close control then created space for Paco Alcacer - starting in place of the suspended Suarez - to coolly finish beyond Pacheco for a third Barca goal.

Pacheco's scrambling save denied Paco Alcacer from Messi's cross shortly after the restart and Alaves forged a route back into the game, Cillessen blocking from Rodrigo Ely with 20 minutes left and Deyverson then seeing a goal ruled out for offside moments later.

But those missed chances cost Mauricio Pellegrino's side the opportunity to make a fist of the closing stages and Barca cruised to victory, with Aleix Vidal making a late appearance having suffered a serious injury against Alaves in LaLiga.

 

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Congratulations for all the Winners!​

 

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Luis Enrique will be remembered as one of Barcelona's all-time greats

"Forever one of our own." A banner at Camp Nou last weekend let Luis Enrique know that he will remain in the hearts of many supporters at the Catalan club. And so he should following Barcelona's 3-1 win over Alaves in Saturday's Copa del Rey final - even if his third season failed to live up to expectations.

Luis Enrique took over in 2014 after Barca had failed to end the 2013-14 season with a major trophy under Gerardo Martino. But with expectations always high for the Blaugrana - and more so following the success of Pep Guardiola - he was asked in his presentation if he thought he could emulate his former team-mate.

"Don't compare me to Pep!" he said. But then he added: "Well, if you compare me to Pep it means I will have done something right..." And by the end of his first year in charge, he had a treble to back up those words.

But it was a sombre and serious Luis Enrique who faced the media in Berlin after Barca beat Juventus to win the Champions League and claim the third part of that treble triumph.

"We have played 60 games, won 50, drawn four and lost six," the Asturian simply said. "Those are the best numbers of any season in the history of the club." And he was right.

In the meantime, Barca became the first team in football to win the treble twice. In fact, it has only been achieved eight times in the history of football - yet many fans of the Blaugrana seem to believe the club should be doing it every year.

That is impossible. Luis Enrique added a domestic double of La Liga and the Copa del Rey in his second season, something which would have been considered a spectacular success only a few years prior, yet it was deemed as insufficient by many and especially as Real Madrid won the Champions League.

A third season always looked likely to be his last as he grew tired of the media, constant questions regarding his future and speculation over whether he would sign a new contract or not.

The announcement of his summer departure still came as something of a surprise, but seemed to lift some of the tension in the dressing room in the weeks that followed. "I won't be at Barca next season," the coach announced after a 6-1 against his former club Sporting Gijon. "I need a rest."

But there was more to come. A tactical switch to 3-4-3 helped Barca produce perhaps the greatest comeback of all time as Paris Saint-Germain were beaten 6-1 at Camp Nou (after the Catalans had lost 4-0 in Paris) and Luis Enrique can take much of the credit for that. "I have prepared for this match more than any in my life," he had said the day before the match.

Eventually eliminated by Juventus in the last eight and losing out to Madrid in La Liga, there were still some memorable moments too as Barca claimed a last-gasp 3-2 win at the Santiago Bernabeu in April and ended on a high with another Copa crown at the Vicente Calderon.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Barca and, following a brief scare in which Real Madrid target Theo Hernandez equalised, additional goals from Neymar and Paco Alcacer effectively wrapped up the result before half-time.

Before the match against Alaves, Barca supporters had chanted Luis Enrique's name in the fan zone in Madrid, then again when he flicked a loose ball on his heels on the sidelines and, after the celebrations, they continued to chant for their outgoing coach.

It was fully deserved, too, because Barca's squad needs some rebuilding this summer, but Luis Enrique did a fantastic job in his three-year tenure and will go down as the third-best coach in the history of this club after Guardiola and Johan Cruyff. You cannot ask for much more than that.

 

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Carrick signs new one-year Manchester United deal

Michael Carrick has signed a new one-year contract at Manchester United, keeping him at the club for another season.The 35-year-old initially struggled to get into Jose Mourinho's team following the Portuguese coach's appointment at the start of the season, making only three Premier League appearances before December.

However, Carrick has gone on to make 18 starts in the league and regularly drawn praise from Mourinho, who also handed him a one-year extension at a similar time last year.

Carrick's United career now looks set to extend into a 12th season and he will be honoured with a testimonial on June 4."What a fantastic way to finish off the season, with a new trophy in our cabinet," he told the club's official website. "I am delighted that my journey with this great club is going to continue.

"My focus now is looking ahead to my testimonial match next Sunday; it will be a very proud moment for me and my family, and is the perfect way to top what has already been a great season."I am thrilled that the fans will also get to see our shiny new Europa League trophy on the day."

The gifted midfielder has won a host of honours since leaving Tottenham for United in 2006, including five Premier League titles, one Champions League and this season's Europa League.

And Mourinho is overjoyed that Carrick has agreed to extend his Old Trafford stay for another year."I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Michael over this past season," Mourinho told United's official website."He is one of the true professionals of the game. Not only is he a great footballer, he is also a fantastic human being and a great role model to our younger members of the team.

"I am delighted he has extended his contract and I would like to take this opportunity to wish Michael all the best for his well-deserved testimonial match next Sunday."

 

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Congratulations Carrick!

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Mourinho: Griezmann? Woodward knows who I want

Jose Mourinho says he has "no idea" if Manchester United will sign Antoine Griezmann, but stressed that all the club's transfer dealings are in the hands of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

The France international took to Twitter on Friday to insist that he had not made any decision to leave Atletico Madrid and that he would hold talks with his representatives on his future plans.

Mourinho stated after United's 2-0 win over Ajax in the Europa League final on Wednesday that Woodward has known the names of the players the manager wants to sign for the last two months.And the 54-year-old claimed the market is now out of his hands as he takes a break following a gruelling first season at Old Trafford.

"I have no idea if Antoine Griezmann will come to United. Ask Ed Woodward. He knows since March who I want, what I want and how much I want," Mourinho told Sky Sports in Monaco, where he will be watching Sunday's Formula One race."Now is for him to work. It's for him to work because he has holidays in August and in August I'm working.

"I don't care about football for a month. I'm really happy with our season, the [EFL Cup and Europa League] trophies, to be back in Champions League but now I have a rest, to disconnect completely and enjoy my family and friends and other sports I like."

Griezmann has long been linked with a potential world-record move to United and admitted this month that he was considering leaving Atletico, with the 26-year-old also reportedly a target for La Liga champions Real Madrid.

 

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Squad 1kanam strong karaganna wenawaHoda playersla tikak gatthoth thamai hodaPositions 3nama gana hithanna wenawaespecially defending & attacking.​

 

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Costa tells Chelsea: I'll go to Spain or stay where I am

Diego Costa confirmed his commitment to Chelsea following Saturday's FA Cup final defeat, while admitting he would leave if Antonio Conte wants him to.

The Spain international scored the Blues' solitary goal as they went down 2-1 to Arsenal at Wembley. Defeat blew Chelsea's chance of the double, although there is still plenty to celebrate in west London after a memorable season for both the club and Costa.

But, despite heading the scoring charts at Stamford Bridge with 21 goals in all competitions, he refused to confirm he would be at Chelsea next season. "I know Chelsea wants to sell players, but I told them, I have two years left in my contract and I won't go somewhere else just because they want so. I will only sign for another club in Europe, they know that. Otherwise I'll stay with my current contract," he told reporters after the final whistle.

"I have a contract and no intention of leaving, but if there are changes to be made that might reduce my chances, if the coach won't count on me anymore or is to give space for another striker, I know that I'll have to leave. But only to where I'm willing to.

"Everyone know what my preferred club is, there's nothing to hide."Money is good, but I'm grateful for what I have right now and I have other things to look forward to, like playing the next World Cup. I know that I have a chance to be called if I'm playing well and at a high level, that's something I want."

"If I have to move to another city or another country than Spain, I don't think I'll go, I'd rather stay at Chelsea. If the club wants to sell me, they know where I want to go."Costa also paid tribute to Arsenal after a thrilling cup final, won by the Gunners after goals from Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey.

"I guess we were a little off coming into the match, while Arsenal showed they wanted to win it. They scored once and had the chance for a second during the first 45. We came better for the second half and scored the equalizer, but they went ahead soon after. It happens, I want to congratulate them for the fine display," he said.

"I wish this final was played before the end of the league so we wouldn't finish with this feeling just after winning the Premier League. To play a beautiful final like this and lose is a little bitter, but that's football."

 

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Chicharito sets Mexico's all-time goal record

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez set Mexico's all-time record for goals scored with a goal against Croatia in a friendly on Saturday.

Chicharito's 47th international goal came in the 86th minute of El Tri's match in Los Angeles as they prepare for June's World Cup qualification matches and the Confederations Cup. He had tied the previous record of 46 held by Jared Borgetti in the opening minutes in a March victory over Costa Rica in Mexico City.

The goal was Chicharito's 25th in friendly matches. The Bayer Leverkusen star has added seven in World Cup qualification, seven in Gold Cups, three at the World Cup, three at the Confederations Cup, and one each in the CONCACAF Cup and the 2016 Copa America Centenario.

Twenty-three of Borgetti's came in World Cup qualification, with only nine in friendly matches. He had two each in the Copa America and the World Cup along with three Confederations Cup goals and seven strikes in the Gold Cup.


Chicharito was just behind the Santos Laguna legend's pace to tie the record, scoring in 90 games while Borgetti ended his Mexico career with 89 caps.

 

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Congratulations Chicharito!

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Cagliari 2 AC Milan 1: Pisacane late show seals fitting Stadio Sant'Elia farewell

Fabio Pisacane was the unlikely hero as Cagliari waved farewell to the Stadio Sant'Elia with a last-gasp 2-1 win over AC Milan in Serie A.The defender pounced after Gianluigi Donnarumma had palmed Joao Pedro's stoppage-time free-kick into his path, as Milan paid the price for wasteful finishing and Gabriel Paletta's fifth dismissal of the season.

In the final competitive match at Cagliari's home ground, Vincenzo Montella's side – who were already assured of sixth spot and a Europa League berth – fell behind to Joao Pedro's 17th-minute goal.

It capped a bright start for the hosts, who responded well to their 6-2 thrashing at the hands of Sassuolo last time out, but Milan were dominant for the most part after the break.

The visitors – who were saying a goodbye of their own to captain Keisuke Honda on his last outing for the club – looked rejuvenated in the second half, but even the award of a questionable penalty was not enough to get them off the mark, with Carlos Bacca seeing his effort saved by Milan loanee Luca Crosta on his debut.

Gianluca Lapadula showed his team-mate how it was done with a second spot-kick, though, before Paletta's second yellow card handed the initiative back to Massimo Rastelli's men, who saw Han Kwang-song's strike ruled out for offside before Pisacane's first goal of the campaign sealed a dramatic triumph in the glorious Sardinian sunshine.

The hosts burst out of the blocks and saw two chances go to waste inside the first six minutes, with Marco Borriello heading wide and Artur Ionita rattling the crossbar at the end of a rapid counter-attack.

But Cagliari got the breakthrough they deserved when Joao Pedro collected Borriello's superb throughball and sent a cool finish beyond Donnarumma.It provided a much-needed wake-up call for Montella's men, who came agonisingly close to levelling just four minutes later.

Bacca, who scored the winner in the reverse fixture, stretched to reach Paletta's flick-on from a corner, but his shot was pushed onto the underside off the crossbar by the alert Crosta.

Still Milan looked vulnerable at the back and Juraj Kucka had Donnarumma to thank for thwarting Diego Farias following a poor backpass.Milan suffered another blow before the break as Suso was forced off injured, with the Spaniard clutching at his knee.

There was a renewed intensity about the Rossoneri at the start of the second half and Bacca sent a curling effort narrowly wide to underline their growing threat.Bacca looked set to equalise in the 52nd minute, but his goal-bound shot from the heart of the penalty area struck team-mate Lapadula.

The Colombia international spurned an even bigger chance 10 minutes later, his tame penalty – controversially awarded after Paletta looked to have been fouled outside the box by Ionita – kept out by the impressive teenager Crosta, who was unable to repeat the feat when Lapadula stepped up.

Paletta's foul on Han ended his day prematurely and the North Korean thought he had won it for Rastelli's side late on, but his celebrations were cut short by the linesman's flag.

Then came Donnarumma's howler and Pisacane was the man waiting to seize the opportunity, sparking wild celebrations from the home side on a poignant day.