..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Victoria Lopyreva expects Pogba to stay at Manchester United as she promises 'best World Cup ever'


World Cup 2018 ambassador and Manchester United fan Victoria Lopyreva is desperate for Paul Pogba to remain at the club this summer despite his frosty relationship with manager Jose Mourinho.

Pogba’s future at Old Trafford has been cast into doubt following a difficult second half to the 2017-18 season in which he was dropped from the starting XI for a number of big games amid reports of a falling-out with his Portuguese boss.However, former Miss Russia, Lopyreva, who is a huge Man Utd supporter and a friend of the Frenchman, believes that the ex-Juventus star won’t quit the team he re-joined two years ago.

“Mourinho is a winner, he is used to winning. Pogba is a super-cool player and sometimes when there are two people who both have great personality, there can be a kind of tension between them,” Lopyreva told Goal in an exclusive sit-down interview in London.

“But it’s not such a conflict that Pogba would leave. And I really wish, as a Manchester United supporter, that Pogba will stay because, honestly, I cannot imagine the team without him.”Lopyreva, an actress, presenter and model, is a huge star in her native country and has been labelled the ‘Face of Russia 2018’.

She is the World Cup’s official ambassador and she says that Pogba has been very kind to support her zero discrimination World Cup programme, which aims to tackle prejudice against all social groups.“I’m a UNAIDS ambassador for the World Cup and I’m running a zero discrimination programme. I asked a few football players to support me,” Lopyreva explained.

“Pogba’s a very nice guy and I say thanks to him for supporting me, along with Neymar, Brazil national team coach Tite and Francesco Totti. Leo Messi has promised to support me also.“It’s a great message and we need to spread this message as much as we can.”

There have been concerns outside of Russia ahead of the World Cup about security, hooliganism and the tolerance towards some racial and social groups, like the LGBT community.

These concerns have been heightened following some recent political tensions between Russia and some countries in the West, particularly England.However, Lopyreva is confident that the tournament will be a big success and that everyone travelling to Russia will feel safe and welcome.

“First of all, I share your thoughts [about the concerns] and I am super-happy that this is the first World Cup supported by UNAIDS programmes for zero discrimination,” she explained.“This means that the main FIFA message for this World Cup is: everyone is welcome. Of course, everywhere you can find good and bad people. And if someone really wants to do something bad, they will probably try to do that. But security is so high that it will be not so easy.

“And I think that the concentration of positive emotions in this World Cup is going to be on a very high level. People will go to Russia not to fight with each other but to celebrate. Football is something that really unites people.“I believe that football is out of politics and it doesn’t matter what nationality you are, what your social background is, what colour skin you have, all other football fans are your friends. Football is a universal language.

“I’m very excited, like all other Russians. It’s going to be the best World Cup ever and it is going to be the safest World Cup ever.”The 2018 World Cup kicks off on June 14 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow as hosts Russia take on Saudi Arabia.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United will come back stronger, insists Eric Bailly


Eric Bailly is backing Manchester United to return stronger next term following their unimpressive 2017-18 campaign.

Jose Mourinho’s men ended the term without a silverware after their 1-0 loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup final.Also, they were bundled out in the fifth round of the English League Cup by Championship side Bristol City and only made it to the round of 16 in the Champions League.

And, although, they finished second behind Premier League champions Manchester City, the 24-year-old is hoping the Old Trafford outfit will learn and bounce back to winning titles next season.“We would have liked to have finished the season by winning the FA Cup,” Bailly posted on Instagram.

“Unfortunately, it was not to be. Nevertheless, we’ve wrapped up a season in which there were ups and downs.“Now it's time to stop, to learn from this season, to rest, and to enjoy our families and friends so we can come back next season even stronger.“We’re eager to set new goals and to see lots of smiles in the stands at Old Trafford next year.

“Thanks for the support you have given the entire team throughout the season. And especially, thank you very much for the love you have always shown me. Let’s go United!“And good luck to my teammates who are playing in the World Cup!”

The Cote d'Ivoire international made 18 appearances for the side last term across all competitions owing to injury.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Napoli needs to retain its best talents if it is to flourish under Ancelotti


Napoli’s coup of esteemed coach Carlo Ancelotti means the Partenopei will see the maverick Maurizio Sarri leave. Sarri’s departure will be seen as bittersweet especially after how Napoli has grown during his tenure. A strong core of players developed under the 59-year-old while his tactics earned Napoli the attention of Europe. The only blot on his copybook would be the way Napoli capitulated this season after showing so much promise to dethrone Juventus as champions of Italy.

While the Scudetto slipped out of their hands, it is still an exciting time to be a Napoli fan especially when someone of the stature of Ancelotti is in-charge of your team. The former AC Milan manager is a serial winner and many will hope that he can take the southern Italian team to the next level but if he is to do that, Napoli will need to keep hold of their top stars. Especially if they aim to go one better next season and secure the coveted Scudetto.

In the attacking department, Ancelotti will need to convince the likes of Dries Mertens, Lorenzo Insigne and Jose Callejon to stay in Naples instead of seeking greener pastures. Meanwhile in the defensive department, Faouzi Ghoulam, Elsied Hysaj and Kalidou Koulibaly are some of the brightest talents in Europe causing them to be targets of wealthier English clubs which will be a severe test of Ancelotti’s powers of persuasion.




Subsequently, 'Carletto', as he is fondly known, has started the conviction plan by reportedly outlining three key players he believes that will take the Azzurri to the next level. His ambitious targets include Real Madrid hitman Karim Benzema, Bayern Munich’s warrior Arturo Vidal and Chelsea defender David Luiz. It is not a bad idea to convince your top talents to stay if one manages to recruit the aforementioned world class players.Ancelotti will definitely have his work cut out for him in the Napoli dugout.

Expectations will be sky high and many fans will wait in bated breath to see how the club will improve. It is a safe bet to say that under the 58-year-old, Napoli’s play will be more direct compared to the pure attacking football philosophy of Sarri. Whether that is good or bad for Napoli, only time will tell but there is no doubt 'Carletto' will be hoping his top talents will be there to aid him.

Napoli’s coup of esteemed coach Carlo Ancelotti means the Partenopei will see the maverick Maurizio Sarri leave. Sarri’s departure will be seen as bittersweet especially after how Napoli has grown during his tenure. A strong core of players developed under the 59-year-old while his tactics earned Napoli the attention of Europe. The only blot on his copybook would be the way Napoli capitulated this season after showing so much promise to dethrone Juventus as champions of Italy.

While the Scudetto slipped out of their hands, it is still an exciting time to be a Napoli fan especially when someone of the stature of Ancelotti is in-charge of your team. The former AC Milan manager is a serial winner and many will hope that he can take the Southern Italian team to the next level but if he is to do that, Napoli will need to keep hold of their top stars. Especially if they aim to go one better next season and secure the coveted Scudetto.

In the attacking department, Ancelotti will need to convince the likes of Dries Mertens, Lorenzo Insigne and Jose Callejon to stay in Naples instead of seeking greener pastures. Meanwhile in the defensive department, Faouzi Ghoulam, Elsied Hysaj and Kalidou Koulibaly are some of the brightest talents in Europe causing them to be targets of wealthier English clubs which will be a severe test of Ancelotti’s powers of persuasion.

Subsequently, 'Carletto', as he is fondly known, has started the conviction plan by reportedly outlining three key players he believes that will take the Azzurri to the next level. His ambitious targets include Real Madrid hitman Karim Benzema, Bayern Munich’s warrior Arturo Vidal and Chelsea defender David Luiz. It is not a bad idea to convince your top talents to stay if one manages to recruit the aforementioned world class players.Ancelotti will definitely have his work cut out for him in the Napoli dugout.

Expectations will be sky high and many fans will wait in bated breath to see how the club will improve. It is a safe bet to say that under the 58-year-old, Napoli’s play will be more direct compared to the pure attacking football philosophy of Sarri. Whether that is good or bad for Napoli, only time will tell but there is no doubt 'Carletto' will be hoping his top talents will be there to aid him.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Even ‘best ever’ Ronaldo has weaknesses – Alexander-Arnold


Liverpool youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold says that Cristiano Ronaldo may be one of football’s all-time greats, but he is not perfect.The 19-year-old is preparing himself for the Champions League final in Kiev on Saturday, when the Reds will meet Ronaldo’s Real Madrid.

It will be the biggest night of the teenager’s career to date, but he is optimistic that he can rise to the challenge of nullifying the most prolific attacker in Champions League history.

“He's one of the best players ever,” he told AFP. “He's done unbelievable things in the game, but he's got weaknesses as well, as every player has."On Saturday we'll try to exploit them and stop him from doing what he does best, to stop him from scoring.”Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, pointed out that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is not the only menace at Zinedine Zidane’s disposal before the weekend’s fixture.

“It is not just a one-man team either,” he said. “They've got other threats too and unbelievable squad depth.“Even coming off the bench they've got world-class players, so it will be tough for everyone on the pitch and everyone will have the task of a direct opponent who is world class. It will be tough, but we're excited for it.”The right-back has featured 33 times for Liverpool this season, with the showpiece set to be just his 10th appearance in the competition proper. It could also represent the youngster’s first ever senior trophy.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mkhitaryan: I hope Emery brings new tactical ideas to Arsenal


Arsenal's Henrikh Mkhitaryan is hopeful that new manager Unai Emery will bring with him new ideas to get the team back to competing for major honours.Emery was announced as the Gunners' new boss on Wednesday, the Spaniard given the unenviable task of picking up where Arsene Wenger – a 22-year veteran of the club – left off.

And Mkhitaryan, himself a fairly new face at the Emirates after having swapped Manchester United for the north London outfit in January, hopes that the latest shake-up at the club will provide the boost Arsenal need to return to the top – even if he hasn't spoken to his new boss yet.

“I hope he will bring new tactical ideas and spirit to Arsenal,” the Armenia international told Vivaro News, “I hope he will succeed.“I still haven't had the opportunity to meet him, we didn't have time to talk with each other.“I haven't talked to my team-mates about him either, I would like to meet him.

“Everyone in the club is a professional himself – everyone knows what he should do and what he is expected to do.”Turning his attention to the difficult departure of Wenger, Mkhitaryan stated that it was more than just the playing squad that were left reeling by the Frenchman's farewell.

“Not only the players but the whole staff were sad,” he said, “It's not that easy to handle the exit of a man who managed the team for 22 years.“You can't imagine how amazed everyone was about the atmosphere he created. If he had decided to stay for 10 more years no one would have been against it.”

Looking to the future, however, the attacking midfielder is confident that Arsenal can put a disappointing season behind them and focus on a swift return to Europe's top club competition.“Our priority was qualification for the Champions League, but unfortunately we didn't manage that.

“We fought for it but anything can happen in football. We'll focus next season and return to the Champions League in two years.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid have become a results monster, says Liverpool assistant Krawietz


Liverpool assistant coach Peter Krawietz has warned the Reds’ players ahead of the Champions League final that Real Madrid have become a “monster” when it comes to getting results.The two teams face off on Saturday in Kiev, with the Spanish side chasing a third successive European title.

Although Madrid only finished third in La Liga this term, Krawietz has pointed out that no team in recent years has specialised in European competition like Los Blancos, who have won three of the last four crowns.

“In recent years they have become a results monster in the Champions League and have an insane experience,” he told SPOX. “If you go through their final squads of the last two years, they have only exchanged one position in 2017 compared to the previous year and would theoretically be in a position to set up the same team again this year as in the last final.

“Meanwhile, they have the next generation with players like Marco Asensio or Lucas Vasquez in the hindquarters, all of which are incredibly good and already very experienced. “Real are simply extremely experienced; they know each other blind, have incredible footballing qualities and experience in abundance.“We want to and must play the game of our lives to meet this challenge.”

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has won only one of his previous five cup finals, but Krawietz denies that there is any curse upon the former Dortmund boss.“We did not suffer a total failure in any of the lost finals,” he said. “Besides we haven’t lost all the finals, we’ve also won one.

“If you add in the German Supercup, which resembles a final, then we’re up to three victories “Ultimately, each final always tells its own story.“The only commonality I can see is that we hardly ever went to a final as a favourite, but always fought our way there through above-average performances.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal interested in Roma star Pellegrini


Roma starlet Lorenzo Pellegrini has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal in the coming transfer window, Goal understands.

The 21-year-old midfielder was a key part of the side that battled through to the Champions League semi-finals in 2017-18. And amid a move to revamp the Roma squad ahead of the coming season, Pellegrini might be on the verge of a switch to the Premier League.

Arsenal, who revealed Unai Emery as Arsene Wenger's successor on Tuesday, are confirmed admirers of the youngster.
And while the Gunners are not prepared to shell out £27 million [€30m/$35m] to meet Pellegrini's release clause, they will try to tempt Roma into selling with a bid worth around £22m.Pellegrini's exit may be necessary at the Stadio Olimpico to fund the arrival of Bryan Cristante, the Atalanta and Italy midfielder who made his debut aged just 16 for Milan.

The 33-year-old would be available for roughly €30m, with Pellegrini and Kevin Strootman widely tipped to leave the Serie A club.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo & Salah key but team performance will decide Champions League final - Morientes


Former Real Madrid and Liverpool star Fernando Morientes has named Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah as the key men ahead of Saturday's Champions League final.

But the former Spain international insists neither player can win it alone.
Morientes, who lifted the tournament an impressive three times, thinks Real have more to their game than just Ronaldo.“Football is a collective game, so you can have Cristiano Ronaldo, but you need a team which works with him,” he said, speaking on behalf of Hankook Tire, official partner of Real Madrid.

“In my opinion, the key for Madrid in recent years is that all the players around Cristiano Ronaldo have assembled perfectly, like [Luka] Modric and [Toni] Kroos in the midfield, Sergio Ramos as a captain, Marcelo on the left, [Dani] Carvajal on the right…Keylor Navas as well.

“I think success comes from the team, not just one player, but being able to assemble all of the pieces together with a coach like Zinedine Zidane, who gives harmony to the team which is not an easy thing to do.” Madrid have made the European Cup their plaything, having claimed the title in three of the last four editions, but Morientes believes they will face a tough Liverpool side in Ukraine.

Morientes, who also turned out 61 times for Liverpool, compared the Reds' Egyptian superstar Salah to Ronaldo, and thinks both men will make the difference in the final.“The strength in both teams is in their forwards,” he added. “With Real Madrid, it’s clear that Ronaldo is the best player in every match and the player Liverpool will have to take into consideration, obviously not forgetting the rest of the team.

“Regarding Liverpool, Salah is the key man, who has been performing to a very high level this season, and I think that both of them will be the key to the game.
“If we have to say one thing, I would say that Cristiano and Salah are the ones who can make the difference in the final.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pochettino signs new five-year Tottenham contract


Mauricio Pochettino has put pen to paper on a new five-year contract extension to stay at Tottenham, the club confirmed on Thursday.

The former Espanyol boss joined Spurs in 2014, and has since guided his team to consecutive top-four finishes in the last three seasons while also making the Champions League last-16 this term.And he has been rewarded with a new deal at the north London club that will expire in June 2023.

"We are delighted to announce that Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new five-year contract with the Club, which runs until 2023," Tottenham confirmed on their official website.

"First Team Coaching staff Jesús Pérez, Miguel D’Agostino & Toni Jimenez have also agreed new contracts."Speaking upon announcement of the new contract, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy signalled his happiness at tying down the highly rated manager, who had been linked to succeeding Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.

"I am delighted that we have agreed a new, extended contract with Mauricio. We have been on an extraordinary journey and the times ahead look even more exciting as the Club enters the next phase in its history," he explained."Mauricio has fostered an incredible spirit in the team and has embraced a style of play our fans have loved watching. I know they will welcome this commitment by Mauricio."

Pochettino, who recently passed the 200-game mark in the Spurs hotseat, added: "I am honoured to have signed a new long-term contract as we approach one of the most significant periods in the Club's history and be the manager that will lead this team into our new world-class stadium.

"This is just one of the factors that makes this one of the most exciting jobs in world football and we are already making plans to ensure we continue to build on the great work that everyone has contributed to over the past four years."Daniel and I have spoken at length about our aspirations for this football club. We both share the same philosophies to achieve long-term, sustainable success.

"This is a special club - we always strive to be creative in the way we work both on and off the pitch and will continue to stick to our principles in order to achieve the success this Club deserves."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd & Spurs target Sessegnon tipped for top four move


Ryan Sessegnon has already been linked with Manchester United and Tottenham and is destined to be “playing for a top four club in the next few years”, says Fulham team-mate Ryan Fredericks.

The 18-year-old has seriously enhanced his profile during a Premier League promotion push this season, with his efforts having helped his current club to reach the Championship play-off final.

It remains to be seen whether the Cottagers will be back in the big time for 2018-19, but Sessegnon is expected to make that step up in the near future regardless of what happens in west London.

A 16 goal return in 2017-18 has seen him register on the transfer radar of leading clubs, while sparking talk of possible senior international recognition with England, and Fredericks believes it is only a matter of time before a highly-rated talent finds himself on a stage that his ability deserves."I have no doubt about it, and everyone at the club will say the same thing, Ryan will go right to the top,” a man who emerged from the academy system at Tottenham told the Daily Mirror.

"He will be playing for a top four club in the next few years, if not I will be very, very surprised. The ability he has got and the understanding of the game at such a young age. "The experience he is getting over the last two seasons and the level head he has got on his shoulders, no matter how high he goes he's not going to forget where he has come from, forget his roots, and everyone around him."

Fredericks added: "[He deals with pressure] really well to be fair, it's crazy to think how young he is. He has a mature head on his shoulders."We've been with him in the last two years and not one of us have heard him talk about another club. He's got great respect for Fulham and he loves it here. I'm sure one day he will be playing at a top, top level.

"But he knows at the moment he is here with us at Fulham. And he is doing everything he can to make sure we're back up in the Premier League."Sessegnon is currently tied to a contract at Fulham through to 2020, with that deal including no release clause.

He has offered no indication that he will be seeking to break that agreement this summer, but has admitted to harbouring ambitions of gracing the Premier League before too long.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Arsenal stagnated under Wenger' - Aubameyang excited by Emery era


Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted that Arsenal “stagnated” towards the end of Arsene Wenger’s reign, with all concerned now looking forward to a fresh start under Unai Emery.After 22 years of stability and continuity in north London, the managerial baton at Emirates Stadium has changed hands this summer.

Former Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain boss Emery has been appointed as Wenger’s successor and charged with the task of returning Arsenal to the Champions League and getting them back on the trophy trail.

He has some big shoes to fill, but recent regression suggests that change was required.Record signing Aubameyang admits as much, telling RMC on the movement in the dugout: "I think it's a little bit of a mixed feeling in fact."On one hand, it's strange for all the fans that the coach has left. But it's definitely a fresh start."Since over the last few seasons - you have to tell the truth - the club has stagnated a little bit, I think everyone is actually a little bit excited to see what happens next season.

"It is strange that the coach has left after 22 years. But that's life - we have to look forward.“It's going to be a new start so we'll have so we'll have to see how it goes... everyone will have to get it into their heads that we have to work hard to rival the best.”

Aubameyang added on the arrival of Emery: "He's a really good coach."In Paris, it's never very easy. There's a huge amount of pressure... I know he did really good work with Sevilla and with PSG too."

It remains to be seen what role Aubameyang will be asked to fill by Emery, but the Gabonese forward – who netted 10 Premier League goals in 13 appearances following a mid-season arrival in 2017-18 – is hoping to be used in a favoured position down the middle, preferably with a strike partner alongside him.He added: "I think everybody knows that I like playing through the centre.“I hope that we can play with two attackers - that would be ideal. But if the new coach needs me on the wing, there's no problem."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I'd rather win 5-4 than 1-0' - Emery ready to entertain at Arsenal


New Arsenal head coach Unai Emery has suggested that he will be looking to excite a demanding fan base, with the Spaniard claiming he would “prefer to win 5-4 than 1-0”.With Arsene Wenger’s iconic 22-year reign in north London having come to a close, those at Emirates Stadium are preparing for the start of a new dawn.

Former Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain boss Emery is the man to have been charged with the task of rebuilding a faltering squad which has lost a once solid standing within the Premier League’s top four.

He will be expected to take things in a different direction from his predecessor, with Wenger considered by many to have lost touch with the modern game, but the Spaniard has hinted that there will be no immediate strengthening of a shaky defensive unit.Emery told reporters at an opening press conference when explaining how he wants his Arsenal side to play: “With personality. This personality for all the minutes of a match: protagonists.

"I like possession with the ball, I like good pressing against the other team.
“I prefer to win 5-4 than win 1-0.”PSG certainly delivered on that philosophy in 2017-18, with Emery’s Ligue 1 title winners netting 108 times in 38 games – although even that was not enough to keep a highly-rated coach in his job.

He, like Arsenal, is now readying himself for a fresh start, although he intends to stick with the principles which have served him well down the years.Emery is famed for his in-depth analysis of opponents, with the 46-year-old promising more of the same in English football.

He added: “I love the analysis, and going through the whole match like a movie.“Then, I work through all the situations, all the things in the match, every day in training sessions.

“I love to work with all the players and individually with the players to improve their technique, tactics, mentality. I also like to speak with the players directly, to speak with their heart and one connection to find that connection with individual players and the whole team.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter join Juventus and AC Milan in race for Chelsea striker Morata


Inter are the latest club to show an interest in Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata, though they are likely to face a fight to sign the Spain international.They are set to battle Serie A rivals AC Milan and Morata's former club Juventus for the forward's signature, though no deal will be struck until the Blues tie up their current managerial situation.

The 2016-17 champions will not sell Morata for anything less than the up-front fee of £58 million (€66m/$77.5m) that they paid Real Madrid for him in the summer of 2017, and while the player himself could yet push for an exit, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy will wait for Antonio Conte's successor to make the final decision.

Morata's agent, Juanma Lopez, met with all three Serie A clubs this week during a trip to Milan following the news that his client would not be part of the Spain squad at this summer's World Cup.Though it is understood that Morata himself did not attend any of the meetings himself, he was photographed in conversation with Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici outside Hotel Palazzo Parigi in a fashionable part of Milan on Wednesday in what is being described as a chance meeting.

Morata, 25, previously spent two seasons on loan with the Bianconeri - scoring 27 goals in 93 appearances - and adapted well to life in Italy as he learned the language and he met his wife, Alice Campello.While Chelsea are totally closed to the idea of selling their club-record signing just 12 months on from his purchase, owner Roman Abramovich is keen to ensure the club remains as profitable as possible.

The feeling among the Blues hierarchy at present is that Morata just needs time to settle in London, with a back injury midway through the season impacting his form as he ended the campaign being used mostly as substitute, returning just 15 goals from his 48 appearances

He came off the bench for Chelsea's FA Cup final win over Manchester United on Saturday - a game which remains highly likely to be Conte's last one in charge of the club.It is still expected that the former Italy boss will depart in the coming days, with Maurizio Sarri the frontrunner to take over following his departure from Napoli on Wednesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Scholes: If Pogba isn't happy then Man Utd should let him leave


Manchester United should be willing to part with Paul Pogba this summer if an £89 million ($119m) asset is not happy, says Paul Scholes.

The Red Devils invested a club record transfer fee in the France international during the summer of 2016, with Jose Mourinho moving to bring an Old Trafford academy graduate back to England from Juventus.Much was expected of Pogba in Premier League surroundings, but he has faced regular rounds of questions regarding his exploits on and off the field since returning to Manchester.

Criticism has sparked talk of a possible move elsewhere, amid reports of a rift with Mourinho, and United legend Scholes believes no player should be allowed to become bigger than the club.

He told talkSPORT on the Pogba saga and how it could end: “Once the season is over and players meet up with their international teams there are always some comments made.“But look, if players aren’t happy, let them go. That’s always the way I feel about it.

“Pogba has been just OK this season for a player of his quality.“There’s still time. He’s only been there a couple of years and he’s still a young-ish player.

“Let’s hope he produces more of his Juventus form next season.”Pogba has admitted that his career could “one day” take him back to his homeland at Paris Saint-Germain, although he has also claimed to be living "a dream" at United.It remains to be seen what the future holds for the flamboyant 25-year-old, and for club colleagues Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

The attacking duo are among the others at Old Trafford to have been linked with summer exits, having found regular starts hard to come by in 2017-18, but Scholes is hoping that two exciting talents are not forced elsewhere by Mourinho’s tactical approach.The ex-England international added: “I know they’re good players, they’re really talented players.

“Those two especially, I just don’t want them to be players who leave and turn out to be sensational, because you can easily see that happening.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona icon Iniesta completes move to Japanese side Vissel Kobe

Andres Iniesta has been officially unveiled as a Vissel Kobe player, with the J-League outfit having snapped up the Barcelona legend in the wake of his departure from Camp Nou.Having graduated out of the famed La Masia academy system in Catalunya, the 34-year-old matured into one of the most decorated players of the modern era.

He helped Barca to nine La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns during his time at Camp Nou, while also landing World Cup and European Championship honours with Spain.

Iniesta has, however, decided to open himself up to a new challenge and will be continuing his distinguished career in Asia.A social media post on Wednesday revealed that the classy midfielder was heading to a “new home” , with Vissel Kobe now confirmed as that destination.

He told reporters after penning a contract: "This is a very special day for me. This is a very important challenge for my career. I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your trust in this project."There were many offers. I'd like to thank the other clubs who showed an interest.The reason I chose Vissel is because this is a very interesting project. They trusted me as a player.

"Japan is amazing, the culture is good. I'd like to get used to Japan, enjoy the life here and get into the team."China had been considered the most likely landing spot for an iconic figure once his departure from Barca after 16 seasons was announced.No deal could be done there, though, while talk of a possible switch to the Australian A-League also came to nothing.

Instead, Iniesta has headed to Japan, with Vissel Kobe parading their new signing at a press conference in Tokyo on Thursday.The club’s chairman, Hiroshi Mikitaini – who is the chief executive of Japanese electronics company Rakuten, who are Barcelona’s shirt sponsors – believes Iniesta can be "a terrific inspiration for Japanese football society" and help Vissel Kobe complete their "goal of becoming the number one club in Asia".

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo: Cristiano and Neymar would be good together at Madrid


Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo believes Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar could star together for the La Liga giants.

Goal has reported that Neymar, 26, is desperate to move to Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain after just one season with the Ligue 1 champions.That would see him combine with Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has enjoyed nine incredible seasons at the club.

Asked if the pair could perform well together, Brazil great Ronaldo said: "Cristiano and Neymar are compatible, of course.
"They are two good players, better together than separated."If Neymar decides at some point that he wants to leave, Real Madrid will have to be careful to bring him in." Neymar – who starred for Barcelona before his world-record switch to PSG – has also been linked to Manchester United.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid rejected €150m Premier League offers for Asensio – agent


Real Madrid have rejected two offers of €150 million (£131m/$176m) for Marco Asensio, according to the star midfielder's agent.Asensio, 22, started just 19 of his 32 La Liga appearances this season, scoring six goals.

The Spain international re-signed with Madrid last year, extending his deal until 2023 with a reported €700m (£613m/$820m) release clause.

His agent, Horacio Gaggioli, said Thursday there had been significant interest in Asensio."Madrid have received two offers for Marco Asensio, up to €150m, but the club rejected them," he told Cadena SER."He has an extraordinary future." Asensio arrived at Madrid from Mallorca in 2014, although he has only spent the past two seasons at the club after initial loan spells.

The 10-time Spain international has been linked to numerous Premier League clubs and his agent confirmed the offers had come from England."You can imagine that they come from England because they can afford it without any problems," Gaggioli said."They could even raise it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd target Fred wants to decide future after World Cup


In-demand Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred says he wants to wait until after the World Cup to decide his future.The Brazil international is subject of interest from both Manchester clubs, with United and City hoping to seal a deal for the 25-year-old.Though United were reported to be closing in on a deal to sign Fred before the World Cup, the midfielder would prefer to wait until after next month's tournament in Russia to decide his next move.

"I don't know what I'm going to choose," Fred said at a press conference on Thursday. "Maybe I'll decide better after the World Cup."My head is entirely with the World Cup."The former Internacional man confirmed there was interest from both sides of Manchester, with a move to City nearly materialising in January.

"There's been some advanced talks since January, when I almost went to Man City," Fred said. "United talked to my staff and Shakhtar."Fred moved from Internacional to Shakhtar in 2013, and said he was flattered to see some of Europe's biggest clubs have been following his progression.

"It's an honour to grab the attention of great coaches in Europe, from Manchester and from our own national team," Fred said."I think I am strong on the field, I am versatile, I can play in several midfield positions. Some coaches like that, it grabs their attention, it is a big deal for me."Versatility, quality, good passing … I think all that catches coaches' eyes."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Saha hails 'great man' Ferguson as legendary Man Utd boss continues recovery


Louis Saha says "great man" Alex Ferguson was such a success as a football manager due to his interest in people.

Ferguson is recovering from emergency surgery after a brain haemorrhage earlier this month, leading to tributes pouring in for the former Manchester United manager.Saha won two Premier League titles under Ferguson at United and was also part of the squad that won the Champions League in the 2007-08 season.

And the former France international gave his views on why Ferguson was able to establish such a dynasty at Old Trafford, the Scot winning 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues during his 26 years in charge."I have so many memories. He's such a great man," Saha told Omnisport. "At 6am in the morning the guy is already up to go shaking hands to all the employees. He knew their names and their stories.

"He was always there to lift me up when I was down due to consecutive injuries. He was there telling you the words you needed to hear. He made you understand that it was part of life and that there were worse situations. You were not on your way to [fight a war] in Afghanistan for example."Some things he said showed you how competitive he was but also that he has a deep understanding of life. He was not only here to bring you the values of a football player who has to kick a ball and score goals.

"We speak about a man who showed you that you need to have courage, be responsible, always pick yourself up at difficult times. We don't speak about football anymore. It's human. All of this was him.

"He had clear goals, he was a warrior. He took risks. He wanted to create something. He wanted everyone around him to burst with joy. That's everything that is important to this club. It is always going to be a progressive club that wants to win and make the fans incredibly happy."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Messi more complete than Ronaldo' - Low favours Barcelona star over Real Madrid rival


Lionel Messi's ability to both score and create goals means Germany boss Joachim Low would prefer him in his team ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Debate over which of the two La Liga stars boasts the greater legacy is set to rage again during the World Cup in Russia as they both aim to claim football's biggest team prize for the first time.Ronaldo will hope to replicate the success Portugal enjoyed at Euro 2016 while Messi is seeking to atone for Argentina's defeat in the final at Brazil 2014.

Low got the better of the Barcelona man in that match, but he would happily have the attacker in Germany colours over Real Madrid star Ronaldo."I would stick with Messi," Low told Bild."Cristiano Ronaldo is sensational, a very good professional, an incredible goalscoring machine for many years, but Messi is the most complete player I have seen.

"He is a great team player. He's provided 30 to 40 assists for the last 10 years as well as scoring around 50 goals."He's capable of leaving eight or nine players in his path and his goals always stay in your memory."Low will attempt to lead Germany to back-to-back World Cup triumphs in Russia, a feat managed by only two other nations.