..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Lautaro Martinez completes €22.7m Inter move

Lautaro Martinez has completed a move to Inter from Racing Club for a reported fee of €22.7 million (£20m/$26.4m), the Italian club has confirmed.The 20-year-old striker arrived in Milan at the end of May to complete a medical and has now signed a five-year contract with Luciano Spalletti's team.

The Argentina international had been the subject of an offer from Real Madrid and was courted by Atletico Madrid, but a switch to Inter had been imminent for months, as the player himself revealed in March .

Martinez scored 13 goals in 21 appearances for Racing in Argentina's Primera Division this season, earning his international debut for La Albiceleste as a substitute in the 6-1 friendly loss to Spain in March.

A statement on Inter's official website said: "Lautaro Martinez is officially an Inter player. The Argentine forward has signed a contract with the club that runs until 30 June 2023."As expected, Martinez missed out on a place in Jorge Sampaoli's squad for the World Cup finals in Russia.

But the exciting young attacker can look forward to life in Italy's top flight next term after finalising his deal with Inter, who secured a return to the Champions League by finishing fourth in Spalletti's first campaign in charge.

Atletico had been considered the frontrunners to secure Martinez's services, but Diego Simeone’s side incurred the wrath of Racing after allegedly subjecting the player to an unauthorised medical last year.Martinez has been likened to Manchester City star Sergio Aguero by former Inter and Argentina star Hernan Crespo , who expects him to fit in well alongside Mauro Icardi.

"He is very good and can play in many roles; on the wing, as a secondary striker or up top by himself as the main striker," he said in March. “He has knack for scoring and he's an intelligent guy."Coming to Inter isn't easy, he'll need to be helped and protected. Then hopefully he can show all of his qualities from the beginning, but it won't be a disaster if he needs a little time to settle in.

"He can play with Icardi, I don't think there will be any problems. He reminds me a little bit of Aguero in some ways, like with his low centre of gravity, but he's Lautaro Martinez."He becomes Inter's fifth signing of what is turning into a busy summer for the Nerazzurri.

They have already brought in Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan , Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij, Juventus full-back Kwadwo Asamoah and Sassuolo forward Matteo Politano and as they prepare to return to the Champions League in 2018-19.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo at Juventus would be just great - Matuidi


Blaise Matuidi would relish the chance to work with "one of the best players in the world" if Cristiano Ronaldo were to join Juventus, but is focusing on France's World Cup bid.

Ronaldo's future at Real Madrid has been shrouded in doubt ever since Los Blancos defeated Liverpool 3-1 to win a third straight Champions League in May.The Portugal superstar spoke about the club in the past tense after that game when he said: "We will talk in the future. It's been really beautiful to play for Real Madrid. I'll give a response in the coming days."

Speculation has mounted this week that Serie A champions Juve are preparing a lucrative €120 million bid (£105m/$139m) for Ronaldo, with a salary package of €30m a year.

Matuidi, who was on media duties in Russia on Wednesday ahead of Friday's quarter-final tie with Uruguay, was quizzed on the possibility of playing with the 33-year-old at the Allianz Stadium next season.

"I'm not going to lie it would be just great," he said. "It would be great to have one of the best players in the world with Juventus in the same club that I am."It would be great for the club and for the Juventus players."However, today I'm a player of the French national team and we have bigger fish to fry, no?"

Ronaldo enjoyed a successful personal World Cup, scoring four goals as Portugal advanced from the group stages, facing Uruguay in the last 16. He was shackled, however, and failed to score as Uruguay won 2-1.Matuidi, of course, is still competing in the tournament, and will take on Ronaldo's conquerors after Les Bleus beat Argentina in the last 16.

A win over Uruguay would book France a semi-final clash with either Brazil or Belgium, and were they to be successful, they would face one of England, Sweden, Croatia or Russia in the final.

 

[Alucard_SxE]

Ronaldo leaving Madrid wage
Don't know how I feel about this
Can't really see him in another shirt except perhaps Utd.

no one can replace him. It's gonna be some sad seasons in the future if this happens as I feel

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo leaving Madrid wage
Don't know how I feel about this
Can't really see him in another shirt except perhaps Utd.

no one can replace him. It's gonna be some sad seasons in the future if this happens as I feel

Mamath hithagena hitiye kawadahari Ronaldo Real Madrid walin giyoth ayeth Manchester United awi kiyalaath dan a hope ekath naha wage


​

 

[charitha chandi]

Real consider £88m Juve bid for Ronaldo

88 wadi naddda..! 32 neh wayasa dan..!

 

[Alucard_SxE]

88 wadi naddda..! 32 neh wayasa dan..!

yako he's got a $1000 million release clause. Age doesn't matter considering him.
Specially what he brings with both his skills+advertising

 

[EnIgma001]

yako he's got a $1000 million release clause. Age doesn't matter considering him.
Specially what he brings with both his skills+advertising

$1.51B PISSU hadei ammo..apita rs100 illa gannath ekek nah
He totally deserved it though

 

[Wolverine GTR]

88 wadi naddda..! 32 neh wayasa dan..!

32 unath supiriyatama play karanawane aiya.anisa gana hodai mata hithenne
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

yako he's got a $1000 million release clause. Age doesn't matter considering him.
Specially what he brings with both his skills+advertising

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid stunned as Ronaldo agrees to join Juventus

Real Madrid have been left shocked by Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to leave the European champions to join Juventus.Goal can confirm the 33-year-old is close to completing a move to the Serie A side, having already reached an agreement over a four-year contract worth €30 million (£26.5m/$35m) per season.

Juventus still have to negotiate a fee with Madrid and are expected to have to pay upwards of €100m (£88m/$117m), but could go as high as €120m (£106m/$140.5m).

Although the prospect of the Portugal star leaving the Santiago Bernabeu outfit has only increased since he indicated he wanted to leave after his side beat Liverpool to win a third consecutive Champions League final , those in charge at Madrid have only recently started to take it seriously.

But Ronaldo is closer than ever to leaving and the Bianconeri are confident of landing a player they tried to sign from Sporting CP when he was 18 years old, only to see the move collapse because Marcelo Salas, offered in exchange for him, rejected the move to Portugal.

However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has admitted before that he admired Juve as a child and felt the respect of the fans after scoring with a stunning overhead kick when Madrid visited the Turin team in the Champions League.

Ronaldo sees Juventus as the ideal team to enhance his global reputation as he aims to dominate another of Europe’s top divisions and compete for another Champions League crown to add to the five he has won with United and Madrid.

Furthermore, the Blancos captain feels a lack of protection at Madrid. Reports of his unhappiness first arose last summer when A Bola reported his desire to leave amid his issues with the Spanish tax authorities, which he has agreed to settle with a €18.8 million (£16m/$22m) payoff .

The situation got worse as Ronaldo had a rough start to the season while Madrid were constantly reported to be looking for replacements for him.
This week, Madrid had to release statements denying reports they had made offers for Paris Saint-Germain stars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe .

Although Ronaldo has often said he is open to staying at Madrid until the end of his playing career, his relationship with the club has deteriorated and prompted him to find the love he seeks in Italy.

 

[charitha chandi]

yako he's got a $1000 million release clause. Age doesn't matter considering him.
Specially what he brings with both his skills+advertising

32 unath supiriyatama play karanawane aiya.anisa gana hodai mata hithenne
​

it's obvious neh ban, release clauses are usually very high, isn't that benzema also has the same amount of RC.. got the point and still CR7 deserves 88m but not Benzema neh..!

yeha ..! and i'm so excited guys..! what will juva grow in to with him..!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pogba growing into true leader for France, says Lloris


Hugo Lloris has praised France team-mate Paul Pogba, as he thinks the midfielder's experiences at the club level have helped him become a "true leader" for Les Blues.While there were questions surrounding Pogba coming off a season with Manchester United in which he endured plenty of criticism , he has responded with a strong performance for his country in Russia.

The midfielder started France's first two group stage games, both victories, as well as Les Blues 4-3 win over Argentina in the round of 16.

Pogba shined in the second group stage game against Peru , and then put together an effective performance in the Argentina victory, though he was overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe.And Lloris thinks Pogba has matured into "a true leader" for the national team since they lost the final of Euro 2016 to Portugal two years ago.

"He's maturing, he's growing, he's been accumulating experience with Man United and Juventus," Lloris told a news conference in Nizhny Novgorod. "He's starting to grow in the locker room as well, he's a true leader, he's very ambitious.

"We all know he's extremely talented and he has a lot to offer the team and his team-mates. I think these competitions are good to show the talent of players and I'm sure that will be the case with Paul." Lloris and France's defence may receive a bit of a repreive in their quarter-finals showdown with Uruguay as striker Edinson Cavani may not be fit in time to pair with Luis Suarez for the match against Les Blues.

Cavani bagged both goals in Uruguay's last-16 victory over Portugal, but Lloris thinks it would be wrong to underestimate their opponents if the Paris Saint-Germain man does not start.

"Cavani has been a historical figure for PSG," he said. He's scored so many goals, he's a winner, he's a leader, he's very much respected in France as a player and a man because of his values.

"We're getting ready for anything, whether he plays or not, but we know others can play at a high level in his stead. It's true [Luis] Suarez and Cavani are one of the most beautiful attacking pairs."But I'm going to say again: Uruguay are a difficult team on the counter and difficult to come up against."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mbappe will get even better – Deschamps


France coach Didier Deschamps backed Kylian Mbappe to get even better after his impressive display against Argentina at the World Cup.

Mbappe scored a brace and won a penalty to lead France to a 4-3 win over Argentina in the last 16 in Russia in a historic performance that reached heights for a teenager not seen since Pele.The 19-year-old attacker showed off his blistering pace during the victory, helping his team into a quarter-final meeting with Uruguay in Nizhny Novgorod on Friday.

Deschamps was impressed by the Paris Saint-Germain teenager, but he believes there is more to come."That's very good what he did, it puts more light on what he is capable of. Doing it in such a match gives a larger sounding board," he said Thursday.

"He had time to digest it. From Tuesday, he has recovered and this is the high level. The Uruguayans have seen what he is capable of. "Despite all he does well, he is still learning because despite what all that these young players can do, at their age, we learn."

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris believes Mbappe is well aware he needs to grasp his chance to impress on the biggest stage but does not think he has become burdened by expectations."He's the same old person, true to himself, he smiles, he's relaxed," Lloris told a news conference in Nizhny Novgorod.

"He's a player with so much ambition, he has so much to offer his teams, be it PSG or France. He has a bright future ahead of him but he's also very aware that, when opportunity knocks, he needs to seize it and he's doing everything he can to not miss his chance here. "He's ready to help the team. I think the entire world saw him shine against Argentina but he's very much focused."

If France can overcome Uruguay, who may or may not have Mbappe's PSG team-mate Edinson Cavani for the clash, they will face either Brazil or Belgium in the semi-finals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Danilo out of World Cup due to ankle injury


Brazil defender Danilo has been ruled out for the rest of the World Cup due to an ankle injury.The Manchester City full-back featured just once for Tite's men in Russia, playing in his team's draw with Switzerland in their opening game.

But a left ankle injury means Danilo, 26, will miss the rest of the tournament, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed late on Thursday."Danilo suffered a left ankle injury and will not have time to recover until the end of the cup," the CBF said in a statement.

"In conversation with the commission, he will remain with the team in Russia. We cheer for your recovery."Brazil are favourites to win the World Cup ahead of their quarter-final against Belgium in Kazan on Friday.

The right-back position, however, has been a constant source of grief for coach Tite since even before the World Cup began. Starting full-back Dani Alves was laid low in May from a knee injury incurred in PSG's Coupe de France victory over Les Herbiers.

And after Danilo's injury third-choice Fagner, who plies his trade for Tite's old club Corinthians, has been propelled into a starting position.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wilshere set for West Ham medical ahead of possible move


West Ham United are ready to step up their pursuit of former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.

Wilshere became a free agent this summer and chose to leave the Emirates Stadium after struggling with injuries in recent seasons.The midfielder's No. 10 shirt will be occupied from 2018-19 onwards by Mesut Ozil, who had also been linked with a move away before finally signing a new deal with the Gunners.

Now Goal understands that the club's London rivals are keen to add Wilshere to their squad in time for the new Premier League campaign.The Hammers had been lukewarm on the 26-year-old prior to the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini.

Pellegrini, however, is a fan of Wilshere and the club has in turn stepped up their efforts to land him.Wilshere will first have to pass exhaustive medical tests at London Stadium, which are scheduled for Friday.

With his durability such a concern, West Ham will need to be convinced first that his injury woes are well and truly behind him before putting pen to paper on a contract.Wilshere came through the youth ranks at Arsenal, but has seen his first-team opportunities severely restricted as serious ankle and leg injuries have kept him on the sidelines.

He has played just 39 times in the last four Premier League terms for the Gunners, adding a further 27 appearances in 2016-17 during a loan spell at Bournemouth.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo would move for 'new challenge', suggests agent Mendes


Cristiano Ronaldo's agent says that if he does leave Real Madrid it will be for a "new stage and challenge".

Serie A champions Juventus are reported to have made a bid of €100 million (£88m/$117m) for Ronaldo, who is Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer after nine seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu.Goal understands that the forward has already agreed personal terms with the Italians, winners of the last seven Serie A titles.

If the two teams can also come to an agreement Ronaldo will sign a deal that will keep him in Turin until he is 37, with a basic salary of €30m (£26.5m/$35m) a year.His future at the club has been shrouded in doubt ever since Los Blancos defeated Liverpool 3-1 to win a third straight Champions League in May.

The Portugal superstar spoke about the club in the past tense after that game when he said: "We will talk in the future. It's been really beautiful to play for Real Madrid. I'll give a response in the coming days." With speculation heating up that a move to Italy is imminent, Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes has dropped the biggest hint yet that his client could make a dramatic switch.

"If Cristiano Ronaldo does leave Real Madrid, he will be eternally grateful to the club, the president, the whole team, the medical staff, the supporters and all the Madridistas around the world," he told Portuguese newspaper Record."It will only be for a new stage and a new challenge in his brilliant career."Ronaldo joined Madrid in 2009 after six years with Manchester United, scoring 450 goals in 438 games for the Spanish giants.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cavani trains but Tabarez refuses to reveal Uruguay's quarter-final line-up


Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez refused to state whether Edinson Cavani will start Friday's World Cup quarter-final against France.The Paris Saint-Germain striker resumed team training on Thursday following a hamstring injury he suffered in the 2-1 last-16 win over Portugal.

Cavani's return to the practice pitches at Uruguay's team base in Borsky came as a huge boost to Tabarez's plans for the clash with France at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

However, the 71-year-old was left frustrated by some of the media coverage of his forward's injury and recovery, so therefore said he will not disclose his team."From the moment he got this injury, it made him very sad," Tabarez told a news conference about Cavani. "He's a very important player for us and has been working very hard to recover. He's concentrating on his hopes and dreams.

"I think we've given enough information about Cavani's injury: we said what happened, we informed everyone with two press releases. There were many rumours so we issued a second release to explain exactly what kind of tests he had, and nobody respected it, so people started asking other professionals, who aren't here."I've already said enough about Cavani. In less than 24 hours, you'll know who will play. We're not trying to pretend. We're not trying to create any doubts or rumours."

Tabarez was keen to praise Cavani for his attitude in training, though, and thinks the camaraderie in the squad between the senior stars and younger players will stand Uruguay in good stead as they bid to reach the semi-finals."I'm always happy to see how, for instance, Cavani trained today [Thursday] with his team-mates and to see how they joked around is very positive," he said.

"That's what happens when you have a family or group of friends together. If they're confident and happy then it's more likely they will make the right decision on the pitch.

"We have a plan like any team and you have to implement that on the pitch. It's a strength that we are a close team and that's not something the opposition can take from us."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Buffon set for Paris Saint-Germain medical as Ligue 1 switch moves closer


Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon is ready to swap Serie A for Ligue 1 as he prepares for his next challenge with French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Goal can confirm that the goalkeeper has agreed a two-year deal with the reigning Ligue 1 champions after an emotional farewell from Juventus.Buffon will undergo medical exams on Friday, and will be presented as PSG's latest signing the following Monday.

He will be under contract at Parc des Princes until June 2019, with the option to extend his stay for a further season.
At 40 Buffon is still considered one of the world's elite keepers, having been the foundation of Juve's seven consecutive Serie A titles.He made a total of 656 appearances for the Old Lady in a glittering 17-year spell, although he never managed to lift the Champions League with Juve.

Now he is tasked with the challenge of spearheading a new challenge for the top trophy with PSG, who will look to improve on a last-16 finish last season under the tutelage of new coach Thomas Tuchel.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid agree €40m deal to sign Spain youngster Odriozola


Real Madrid have announced that they have agreed terms for the transfer of Real Sociedad and Spain youngster Alvaro Odriozola.Odriozola, 22, has won rave reviews for his displays with the San Sebastian club in La Liga.

His form on either side of defence even led to a surprise World Cup call-up for the full-back from former Roja coach Julen Lopetegui, although successor Fernando Hierro failed to give him a single minute on the field as Spain crashed out in the last 16.

Lopetegui has now made Odriozola his first major signing at Madrid, in a deal estimated to be worth the full value of Odriozola's €40 million (£35.4m/$46.8m) release clause.The youngster, Madrid revealed, will also sign a contract until June 2024 at the Santiago Bernabeu once he has passed medical examinations.

"Real Madrid and Real Sociedad have agreed the transfer of Alvaro Odriozola, pending a medical," the Merengue confirmed via a statement released on the club's official website.

"The player will be tied to the club for the next six seasons."La Real added in their own statement: "Real Sociedad want to thank Alvaro Odriozola for his professionalism and commitment shown to our club since his years as a youth player through to the first team, while also wishing him the best for his personal and professional future."

Odriozola is the first arrival in what promises to be a busy transfer window for Madrid, who were relatively inactive throughout Zinedine Zidane's two and a half years in the hotseat. Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed to join Juventus in a sensational move, where he will take up the challenge of winning a league title in a third country after succeeding with Manchester United and Madrid.

PSG duo Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, meanwhile, have both been slated as possible replacements for the Portugal legend, although with both still active in the World Cup Blancos fans may have to wait for further transfer updates.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Chelsea would need to buy a whole new squad!' - Hazard & Willian exit talk concerns Bridge


Chelsea parting with Eden Hazard and Willian during the summer transfer window would leave them needing to “buy a whole new squad”, says Wayne Bridge.

There is a very real threat that the Blues could find themselves without the services of one or both of their two key creative influences in 2018-19.Hazard continues to spark talk of a move to Real Madrid, after several windows of speculation, while Willian has emerged as a target for La Liga giants Barcelona.

Chelsea are understandably reluctant to part with the Belgium and Brazil internationals, with Bridge pointing out that a major rebuilding job would be required if sales are sanctioned.

The former Blues defender told the Daily Star: “The two players I wouldn’t let go is Willian and Eden Hazard. “Those two are brilliant and how Willian didn’t play more games is beyond me.“If he goes and Hazard does, Chelsea would need to buy a whole new squad.

“You’d need to replace them with world-class stars and that will cost a lot of money.” Hazard has kept the door open to those in Madrid with comments on his future, with Chelsea facing a tough choice if he does push for a move.

Bridge added: “I don’t know what’s going through his head. Real Madrid is a massive club. “But I think Chelsea will be doing all they can to keep hold of him.“It’s a case of weighing up the options for Chelsea.“If he really wants to go are you going to keep a player who doesn’t want to be there?”

Part of the problem for Hazard, and the rest of those is Stamford Bridge, is the uncertainty which continues to shroud the managerial situation in west London.
Former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, but Antonio Conte is yet to be relieved of his services.“Everyone needs to know who the new manager is and then hopefully you can get some top quality players,” said Bridge.

“To me it all seems a bit up in air and it’s a bit worrying really - especially with Roman Abramovich not being allowed in the country.”