..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Modric expects Ronaldo to stay at Real Madrid


Luka Modric believes Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Real Madrid despite links with Juventus.As revealed by Goal , the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has stunned Madrid by agreeing to a move to Juve and is set to sign a four-year contract worth €30 million (£26.5m/$35m) per season .

The Serie A giants 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)..

Ronaldo's Madrid team-mate Modric, however, does not believe that a transfer will materialise.“I don't think he's going to leave, and I'd like him to stay because he's the best player in the world,” the 32-year-old said.“I think he's going to stay; that's my opinion. It would be great if he did, because I can't imagine him at any other club. “Let’s see what happens.”

Modric was speaking after helping Croatia to the World Cup semi-finals , where they will meet England after defeating hosts Russia 4-3 on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw in Sochi.Ronaldo, meanwhile, exited the competition with Portugal at the last-16 phase, beaten 2-1 by Uruguay.

Talk of his future has since dominated the news agenda, with many pundits disbelieving that he will depart the Spanish capital for Italy.The player's agent Jorge Mendes, however, has suggested that Ronaldo may look for a "new challenge" .

Juve, meanwhile, were compelled to publish a statement after their stock price rocketed amid news of the superstar’s potential arrival .“After the request from CONSOB related to the news published recently on media outlets, Juventus Football Club S.p.A is keen to remind that during the transfer season the club is evaluating several opportunities and will publish adequate information as prescribed by the law,” the Italian champions stated.

Former Bianconeri CEO Luciano Moggi went as far as claiming that Ronaldo has “already signed” and is merely waiting on the formalities of the deal to be completed.

 

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Ronaldo would 'leave a gap impossible to fill' at Real Madrid - Calderon warns against Juventus deal


Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon says it would not be strange to see Cristiano Ronaldo join Juventus, but warned Real Madrid against selling their star man.Speculation continues regarding the future of the Portuguese attacker with Juventus set to bid £88 million for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Ronaldo turns 34 next year, but supporters still believe he is key to Real Madrid's success, and Calderon agrees, saying he hopes current president Florentino Perez can convince him to stay.

"If Ronaldo were to leave Madrid, he would leave a gap that would be impossible to fill," he told Tuttomercato.

"You can not easily find a champion who, in addition to participating decisively in team play, guarantees more than 50 goals per season, and much more for the past nine years."Florentino Perez has made excellent decisions for Real over the years, but he has the defect of not picking up the inheritance that is left to him by others. Something similar happened with Iker Casillas and Raul.

"It culminated when Ronaldo realised Florentino didn't value him they way he should. He wanted a better salary, which is normal for the best employee in a company."He was upset when reports said Real were prepared to pay double his salary to Neymar."However, Calderon did acknowledge that Ronaldo would be a terrific pick up for Juventus and Serie A.

"Juventus have long won the right to be considered one of the great clubs in world football, so it would not be strange if he left and chose the Bianconeri," he said.

"This acquisition would allow Juventus to consolidate their superiority in Serie A and give them an edge in the Champions League."Ronaldo is a huge market opportunity. Many clubs would like to have him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hierro steps down as Spain boss after World Cup flop

The Spanish FA (RFEF) has announced that Fernando Hierro will not continue in the post of Spain head coach following the country's last-16 exit at the hands of Russia at World Cup 2018.Hierro was hastily ushered into the position after the sacking of Julen Lopetegui just days before the competition began, which followed the announcement that his predecessor would take up a role with Real Madrid at the end of the tournament.

Spain started the competition with a 3-3 draw then defeated Iran 1-0. They won Group B after a 2-2 draw with Morocco, but flirted with the exit door as they fell behind in that match.

Once in the knockout phase, they held the upper hand on Russia but were ultimately eliminated after penalties, which was enough to convince Hierro that the role is not for him.

In a statement, the RFEF said: "After many kilometres of walking together, the Royal Spanish Football Federation and Fernando Hierro put an end to their relationship once the participation of Spain in the World Cup in Russia ended. The coach declined to return to his previous position as sports director of the RFEF to seek new horizons and undertake new professional challenges.

"After two spells as sporting director of the Federation, the first between 2007 and 2011 - coinciding with the best period of the national team, which won the 2008 European Championship with Luis Aragones as coach and the 2010 World Cup with Vicente del Bosque - and the second from November 2017 until now, the RFEF wants to thank Fernando Hierro for his commitment and sense of responsibility when he took the lead in the national team in this extraordinary situation, as well as in the performance of all his duties."The Federation wants to highlight the professional and human values of an extraordinary athlete who wants the best of fortunes."Thanks for everything, Fernando!"

The coach had previously intimated that he would stand down following the exit, which generated criticism of his methods. Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic, for example, admitted that he "thought he was playing a different sport" when he saw Andres Iniesta left out of Spain's side to face Russia.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper David de Gea admitted after the competition that Spain were "f*cked".

Hierro enjoyed a storied playing career that was primarily spent with Real Madrid, where he spent 14 years, having previously turned out for Valladolid.

He won five La Liga crowns and three Champions Leagues with the Bernabeu side before completing his playing days at Al Rayyan and Bolton.Previously, he had been head coach of Oviedo in Spain's second tier.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona midfielder Paulinho returns to Chinese Super League


Paulinho has returned to the Chinese Super League, agreeing a move from Barcelona to Guangzhou Evergrande after less than a year in La Liga.

He will rejoin Guangzhou on an initial six-month loan, with a compulsory purchase option from December 31.The midfielder was a surprise arrival at Camp Nou last summer, completing a switch towards the end of the transfer window following the sale of Neymar.

He made a bright start to life at Barca, however, and while his form dipped later on he formed a key part of the team that won a domestic double in 2017-18.

In total the Brazilian made 49 appearances for Barcelona, scoring nine goals and adding a further three assists in all competitions. With the Catalans struggling to accommodate a host of non-European Union players, however, Paulinho has been released back to Guangzhou.

"Welcome back," Guangzhou wrote on their official website alongside a picture of the 29-year-old, who formed part of Brazil's World Cup squad in Russia. Barcelona also confirmed the sale, wishing Paulinho "the best of luck" for the future.

The player spent almost three years with the Chinese Super League club in his first spell, playing almost 100 games with the giants and lifting back-to-back CSL titles.
Paulinho's exit will open up a spot for compatriot Arthur, who is set to join the Blaugrana from Gremio this summer.Colombia's Yerry Mina is another player whose future appears uncertain at Camp Nou, with interest from Everton arising for the central defender.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona midfielder Paulinho returns to Chinese Super League

Ayeth gihin​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Torreira confirms Arsenal move ahead of medical


Uruguay midfielder Lucas Torreira confirmed he was close to completing a move to Arsenal as he prepares for a medical at the Premier League club.Torreira, 22, is close to sealing a switch to England after two seasons with Sampdoria in Serie A.Goal previously reported the midfielder would make the move after his country's World Cup campaign and with Uruguay falling to France in the quarter-finals on Saturday, the path is now clear for Torreira to join the Gunners.

The midfielder, who made five appearances at the World Cup, confirmed he was set for a medical at Arsenal, denying him a chance to return to Montevideo with the rest of the Uruguay squad.
"I was very happy to leave for Uruguay with my team-mates," Torreira told Telenoche, "but this is a good opportunity and I don't want to waste it."Torreira is set to join Stephan Lichtsteiner, Bernd Leno and Sokratis Papastathopoulos as off-season signings at Arsenal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ajax 'doing everything' to land Man United star Blind


Ajax coach Erik Ten Hag says the Dutch club is "doing everything" to try and sign Manchester United's Daley Blind, citing the defender's versatility as a potential asset to his squad.

Blind moved to Old Trafford from Ajax in September 2014 and enjoyed three seasons as a regular first-team player before finding his opportunities in Jose Mourinho's side limited in 2017-18.

Ten Hag was quoted by Sky Sports News claiming he was confident of adding either Blind or Boca Juniors defender Lisandro Magallan to his options for the new season.

Describing Blind, Ten Hag said: "[He is] a player with a lot of experience, in the Premier League and in the Dutch national team."He can handle both positions well, both as a central defender and as a controlling midfielder.

"We are doing everything, but it also depends on other parties." Mourinho said at the end of 2017-18 that he had no plans to sell Blind but Ten Hag indicated that if he fails to secure Magallan's signature then Blind will be his focus.

"He is still in the picture, but whether he actually arrives is still unclear," Ten Hag said of Magallan. "It will be either one of Magallan or Blind. Both of them do not seem realistic."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'We want to go all the way' – Kane not content with just reaching semi-finals


Harry Kane is delighted to have booked a World Cup semi-final clash with Croatia, but the England captain won't be fully satisfied unless he lifts the game's biggest prize.

England beat Sweden 2-0 in Samara thanks to goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli, with Kane captaining the side to their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years.

The Three Lions last got to the semi-final at Italia 90, where they fell just short of the final with an extra-time defeat to Germany in the last four. Kane is glad that his side can inspire the next generation as that group did, but he isn't content with just making the nation proud.

"Yes, it is incredible. As players, as a professional, we know our job both on and off the pitch. It is good to inspire people," Kane said at the Cosmos Arena in Samara."I was one of those kids who grew up wanting to play for England so to be here and be part of it, to lead this team out makes me so proud.

"I am proud to make ex-players proud and I am sure it is bringing back memories for them ... We said we want to write our own history. Hopefully we can go one step further and get to that final." The 24-year-old remains the World Cup's leading scorer with six goals, despite not being able to find the net for the first time in the tournament against Sweden on Saturday evening.

The Tottenham striker's goals have taken him to 52 for the season for both club and country. Kane says that although he wasn't born yet to experience the 1990 World Cup, the England squad remain aware of the context of what they have achieved.

"Yes, obviously a lot of us weren’t even born yet when [the 1990 World Cup] was happening," Kane added. "We feel proud to make the fans proud. That’s what we wanted to do when we set out to Russia. We wanted to play good football, work hard, play with passion and I feel like we have done that so we are enjoying it.
"It has been a long time since England have done well in a major tournament, never mind win it so look, we know we have got a tough game coming up, but we feel confident."Like I said earlier, we felt composed out there. When I looked around, everyone was calm. That’s what we need if we want to go all the way, so let’s do it in the next one."

England face Croatia in their semi-final match on Wednesday after they overcame Russia on penalties.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spain appoint former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique as new manager

Spain have confirmed the appointment of former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique as their new manager.

The 48-year-old has become La Roja's new coach following caretaker boss Fernando Hierro's decision to stand down from the position on the back of a disappointing World Cup.Spain were beaten by tournament hosts Russia on penalties in the last 16 following a 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.


The 2010 winners were touted as one of the pre-tournament favourites but their chances were heavily disrupted by the decision to sack manager Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the competition.

Lopetegui was named as Zinedine Zidane's successor at Real Madrid, with the Spanish Football Federation angered by the timing of the announcement with the World Cup just around the corner.But now Spain have turned to Enrique to guide the national team ahead of the 2020 European Championships.

Speaking at a press conference that was not attended by the new coach, Rubiales said: "The decision has been unanimous. This selection complies with all parameters from the sports management criteria."Luis Enrique comes with his staff, but he will talk about that next week."


Enrique takes over from Hierro in what will be his first managerial role since leaving Barcelona in 2017. Former Roma and Celta Vigo coach Enrique lifted countless trophies during his time in charge of Barca including two La Liga titles and the 2015 Champions League.Enrique also made 12 appearances for Spain as a player.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wow pattama appointment ekakCongratulations Luis Enrique!

VAMOS ESPANA!
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Stones: I'll grab World Cup final chance with both hands


John Stones says he has no intention of letting the opportunity to play in England's first World Cup final in 52 years pass him by.The Three Lions set up a last-four clash with Croatia on Wednesday in a 2-0 win over Sweden at the weekend.

Stones – who has started all five of England's games at Russia 2018, scoring twice – is well aware that the opportunity to contest a World Cup final may never come around again and is relishing the chance to make it happen."As a kid, you have dreams of playing and scoring for England and how it would feel," he told England's YouTube channel.

"I've tried to embrace [this experience]. It might never come around again for me, so I'm trying to take every opportunity, bringing everything I’ve learned at [Manchester] City and my career to the table.

"It's a proud moment for us all when we put on the jersey and I'm going to grab it with both hands, run with it and enjoy it as much as we can. "We're excited for Wednesday now – looking forward to it and we're trying to prepare as much as we can.

"I don't want to jinx it as we're not there, but I'd love it to happen. I get a bit speechless speaking about it!"To even think about the fact it's one game to the final is exciting and we want to grab it with both hands.

"It’s the old cliche of one game at a time – that’'s how I've approached it and it's done me no harm so far."We have one more step to go in Croatia and we'll treat it as 'one game at a time'. We'll focus all our energy on it and then that's the next step."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Asensio is staying at Real Madrid – agent


Real Madrid star Marco Asensio is staying with the European giants, according to his agent.

Asensio, 22, has been linked to the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea after starting just 19 of Madrid's 38 La Liga games last season.The Spain international was signed by Madrid in late 2014 and has played the past two seasons with the Champions League holders.

Links to Liverpool grew loud enough during the World Cup that Asensio was asked directly about them, with the midfielder saying he would decide his future after Spain's World Cup was over.With Spain's subsequent elimination at the hands of Russia in the round of 16, it appears Asensio has stayed true to his word.

On Monday, Asensio's agent, Horacio Gaggioli, said the midfielder will remain with Madrid, while declaring the importance of the coming season for the player. "Marco won't move, he'll stay with Real Madrid," Gaggioli told Calciomercato."He's improving all the time. Next season I think he'll be very important in Madrid."

Asensio made 53 appearances in all competitions in 2017-18, scoring 11 goals.That earned him a place on Spain's 2018 World Cup roster, with Asensio appearing as a substitute in all three of Spain's group-stage matches.

Asensio was then handed the start for the match against Russia and went 104 minutes before being replaced in extra-time of the shoot-out loss to the hosts.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fernando Torres poised to announce new club


Former Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres will reveal his next club on Tuesday afternoon 5.30pm (AEST) at a press conference in Spain.

Currently a free agent after his contract with Atletico expired, Torres has reportedly lowered his wage demands in recent days with Football Federation Australia understood to be keen on bringing him to the A-League.Both Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC have been linked to a potential move with the Sky Blues recently pocketing around $2 million in the transfers of both Bobo and Adrian Mierzejewski.



According to The Covert Agent, Torres is seeking US $4 million a season with the FFA prepared to cover half of those costs in order to lure a big-name marquee to the competition.

Torres was close to a move to Japanese side Sagan Tosu last month but the two failed to agree on personal terms with Australia, America and China now widely tipped to be among his next possible destinations.

The 34-year-old has won both the World Cup and UEFA Champions League over a career that has included spells at Liverpool, Chelsea and AC Milan.

 

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Fernando Torres poised to announce new club

Liverpool play karana kale Torres ge performance thamai pattama​

 

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Roma haven't received transfer offers for Alisson - Monchi


Roma sporting director Monchi is willing to consider offers for Alisson, but revealed the club is yet to receive a bid for the goalkeeper.Brazil international Alisson has been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid after shining for Roma in their run to the Champions League semi-finals.

But despite speculation he could be tempted away from the Italian capital, Monchi says for his goalkeeper to depart, the club would have to receive an offer for him.

With Brazil's World Cup now over, Monchi says Roma will evaluate the situation should an offer come in, but that the club is preparing to have Alisson build on his strong 2017-18. "He has the same chance of staying as all the other players we have not received any offers for," Monchi told reporters.

"If one arrives, we will study it and make a decision. We are working out when he will return to training after his post-World Cup holiday; ready to do even better than he did last season for us." Roma have had a busy transfer window, making 10 signings including Ivan Marcano, Justin Kluivert and Javier Pastore.

But the Serie A side have been linked with further arrivals, Ajax's Morocco international Hakim Ziyech and Sassuolo forward Domenico Berardi among their reported targets."As I said on Saturday, we are always watching the transfer market," Monchi added. "Roma is a big club, and big clubs always need to have an eye on the market up until it closes.

"We still have 40 days, so talking about Ziyech or Berardi is reductive. We are following a lot of situations. We have started the pre-season. When you are building a side you always think you are doing well, but this is the time to understand how you can continue to improve."Hard work is always the most important thing, I don't know any other way to achieve success. We have chosen a risky strategy: to build the squad as quickly as possible, to get down to work immediately.

"There is a gap we need to overcome to those who finished ahead of us, we have to work to close it as quickly as we can."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona wrap up €40m Arthur deal


Barcelona have announced the €40 million signing of Arthur (£35m/$47m), the Gremio midfielder agreeing an immediate move to Camp Nou on a six-year deal.

The Catalans will pay €31m (£27m/$36m) up front for the Brazilian, who has a buyout clause of €400m (£355m/$470m) in his contract.The 21-year-old arrives at the Catalan club with big shoes to fill as he is seen as the long-term heir to Andres Iniesta, who departed the club this summer.




Nevertheless, Gremio had been insistent that they would be able to hold onto the youngster after they had initially thrashed out terms with Barca in March over a move that was expected to take place in January 2019.Iniesta's exit seemed to speed up the whole process, though, and on Saturday the player revealed that he would move to Spain sooner than anticipated.Barcelona have now confirmed that news on their official website.

They clearly expect that he will be able to fit into the club's tiki-taka tradition seamlessly, although express that his ability to play more directly could suit the style of head coach Ernesto Valverde."Arthur likes playing with quick touches and short, triangulating passes involving his team-mates," a statement on their official site reads. "One of his virtues is his ability to get open, which makes him a dangerous right-footed threat near the penalty area.

"At 172 cm tall (5 ft 8 in), Arthur also stands for his skill at protecting the ball and his eagerness to play vertically up the field."He made his Gremio debut in 2016 but began to establish himself in the first team the following year, when he played 27 league matches.

So rapidly did he impress that he was called up to the senior Brazil squad for a World Cup qualifier later that same year, although he never appeared on the field and has yet to make his debut for the Selecao, having been overlooked for Russia 2018 selection.Barcelona have announced that he will join their squad immediately, with his presentation to take place shortly.

He is their first major signing of the summer transfer window, with Iniesta, Gerard Deulofeu and Paulinho all having departed the club.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mbappe misses France training but Deschamps plays down fitness worries


France attacker Kylian Mbappe will be fit to take his place in the starting XI for his country when they tackle Belgium in Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final, despite missing Monday’s training session.

The 19-year-old Paris Saint-Germain hitman has enjoyed a significant rise to prominence during the tournament, notably for his sparkling last-16 display in the 4-3 victory over Argentina, during which he scored twice and won a penalty.

There were, however, fears he might miss the St Petersburg showdown against their neighbours after he missed a session along with Samuel Umtiti, N’Golo Kante and Benjamin Pavard, who have also been stalwarts of Deschamps’ starting XI as France have gone deep in the tournament.




The coach moved swiftly to cut these worries down, though.“Even if four players were missing from our session today as a precautionary measure, everyone will be available for tomorrow,” Deschamps told the media.

Greater worries had been reserved for Barcelona centre-back Umtiti, who has been fighting a slight knee problem for the duration of the competition in Russia.Again, though, Deschamps was bullish over the Lyon academy product being available.

“Like all the players, they could have a little worry that dates back to playing with their clubs during the season,” he said.Benjamin Mendy, who is another to have had knee issues, was back training with the team, however.

Earlier in the day, Mbappe had been the subject of a social media prank from Mendy, who took a photograph of his sleeping team-mate on the flight.The Manchester City man commented: "Too much Razmokets."

When a Monaco player, Mendy branded Mbappe 'Razmoket' - the French translation of children's television programme 'Rugrats' - as he was so young.

Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann were also in on the act, which came as a form of revenge for the Atletico Madrid attacker, who had been similarly pictured sleeping by Mendy, with Mbappe mimicking one of Griezmann's goal celebrations.On that occasion, Mendy said: "Too much Fortnite last night."

France face Belgium, having lost 30 and won only 24 of their previous meetings. They have not, however, lost any of their three major finals matches against their near neighbours.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

West Ham sign Wilshere on free transfer

West Ham have signed Jack Wilshere on a free transfer, the club have confirmed.Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini and director of football Mario Husillos signed off on the move for the 26-year-old, who has agreed a three-year deal at the Premier League club.Goal understands that this move will not be the last of West Ham's summer; the club have tabled a £40 million ($53m) bid for Lazio's Felipe Anderson, and are also in negotiations with Andriy Yarmolenko of Borussia Dortmund.

Wilshere, who has been capped 34 times by England and is a boyhood Hammers fan, said upon the completion of his move: "It feels good, it feels special."Many people know that I’ve had a special bond with this club growing up.

"People will have seen the picture of me in a West Ham shirt and I’ve got good memories of my childhood supporting West Ham, watching them at Upton Park."It feels good and of course my family and a few of my friends are West Ham fans so everyone’s buzzing."

Hammers director of football Husillos said of the deal: "Manuel and I identified him as a target as soon as we joined the club and we are delighted to have succeeded in securing Jack’s signature above a number of other teams.

"Jack is a player with vast experience and quality at the highest level, having played all of his career in the Premier League."On the biggest stage, he has shown that he has game-changing abilities, as well as having the creativity and intelligence to make a real difference to our squad.

"He is a passionate man and has shown winning characteristics throughout his career. Jack will be a great addition and we look forward to seeing his undoubted quality in a West Ham United shirt over the coming years as we fight for important goals at the club."

Wilshere's stay at Arsenal came to an end this summer, with new Gunners manager Unai Emery now planning without the midfielder.Despite being a West Ham fan, Wilshere came up through the youth ranks at fellow London side Arsenal, having joined them as a nine-year-old.

He made his competitive debut for the Gunners in 2008, breaking Cesc Fabregas's record to become their youngest-ever league debutant at 16 years and 256 days old.Over the next 10 seasons, he played a total of 125 Premier League games for the Gunners, scoring seven times, with two FA Cup winners' medals to his name.

Wilshere also spent time on loan at Bolton and Bournemouth before announcing in June that he planned to leave the north Londoners rather than sign a new contract.

 

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FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals Fixture 2018.07.10

FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals Fixture 2018.07.10

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France Vs Belgium

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[Alucard_SxE]

Ronaldo left Real Madrid