..::Football IV::..

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Arsenal 0 Manchester City 2: Sterling-Silva show as champions sparkle

Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva got Manchester City's Premier League title defence up and running with a deserved 2-0 win at Arsenal.Sterling made six starts in England's semi-final run at the 2018 World Cup and only returned to training with City on Monday.He rewarded Pep Guardiola's faith with a lively showing and a clinically dispatched 14th-minute opener.

The first game of Arsenal's new era under Unai Emery often proved a thankless task but there were moments of encouragement before Silva settled the issue with a brilliantly taken second in the 64th minute.

Petr Cech – preferred in the Arsenal line-up to new arrival Bernd Leno – saved sharply at his near post in the ninth minute after Sterling twisted past Shkodran Mustafi.But the veteran goalkeeper was grasping at fresh air when Sterling sashayed inside to lash home a shot from the edge of the box.

Hector Bellerin gave Ederson his first serious task in the City goal but that Arsenal foray only led to a swift counter-attack that ended with Sergio Aguero testing the side-netting.Cech bailed out his ailing team-mates by thwarting Aymeric Laporte at point-blank range having parried Riyad Mahrez's free-kick.


Guardiola responded to Arsenal pressure early in the second half by sending on Kevin De Bruyne with half an hour remaining and the Belgium midfielder was furious to be denied the chance of doubling City's lead.

Matteo Guendouzi's error gave Aguero the freedom of the Arsenal half and the Argentina star shot too close to Cech as De Bruyne screamed for a square pass.The anguish did not last long as Benjamin Mendy made his way to the byline and cut the ball back for Silva to emphatically find the top-left corner.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a goal ruled out for offside and blazed over at close quarters as late lethargy brought errors into City's game – something that will not have escaped their perfectionist manager.

 

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Paris Saint-Germain 3 Caen 0: Neymar opens Tuchel's Ligue 1 account

Neymar scored on his first Ligue 1 appearance since February as Paris Saint-Germain downed Caen 3-0 in Thomas Tuchel's first home game in charge.

Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe were absent – though the latter was involved in a pre-match World Cup presentation at the Parc des Princes on Sunday - but Neymar helped ensure a comfortable victory for the champions.The Brazilian scored early, capitalising on the first of two Brice Samba mistakes to slot in a Christopher Nkunku pass, with Adrien Rabiot adding a second from Angel Di Maria's excellent assist before the break.


Gianluigi Buffon's Ligue 1 debut was mostly uneventful, the former Juventus and Italy goalkeeper able to keep a clean sheet after Stef Peeters hit the post with a free-kick in the second half, while Timothy Weah capitalised on another Samba error to complete the scoring in the 89th minute with his first Ligue 1 goal.


Neymar opened his 2018-19 account inside 10 minutes, finishing off Nkunku's throughball after a disastrous pass out by goalkeeper Samba.A second PSG goal inevitably arrived in the 35th minute, Di Maria dancing clear of the defence through the right channel to square a low cross that Rabiot could hardly miss from close range.

Buffon, who became PSG's oldest ever Ligue 1 player, was surprisingly busy in the first half, the 40-year-old beating away a powerful effort from Malik Tchokounte before reacting in mid-air to tip away a cross that deflected off team-mate Thiago Silva.

The goalkeeper was helpless as Caen went close to getting on the scoresheet in the 52nd minute, though, as a fine free-kick from Peeters bounced off the inside of Buffon's right-hand post.

Although Neymar appeared determined to add more goals after a disappointing World Cup with Brazil, it was his replacement who added a late third.Samba had done well to tip a Weah shot on to the post but then horribly lost control of a backpass, allowing the substitute to tap in from close range and get Tuchel's men up and running.

 

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Sevilla 1 Barcelona 2: Ben Yedder penalty woe after Dembele thunderbolt in Supercopa

Ousmane Dembele fired a spectacular winner to seal a 2-1 Supercopa de Espana triumph for Barcelona over Sevilla as Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved a last-gasp penalty in Tangier.

Sevilla president Jose Castro voiced objections over the Spanish season's curtain-raiser being taken away from its traditional two-legged format to be played in Morocco but Pablo Machin's side started the brighter.

Pablo Sarabia followed his three goals in the Europa League preliminary stages with a ninth-minute opener that was cancelled out by Gerard Pique three minutes from half-time.


Dembele put the injury misery that ruined his debut season in Catalonia behind him by blasting in a rasping right-footed strike via the crossbar, although there was a final twist Ter Stegen brought down ex-Barca full-back Aleix Vidal, only to atone for his clumsiness by holding a tame spot-kick from Sevilla substitute Wissam Ben Yedder.


Sarabia was forced to put his celebrations on hold after collecting Luis Muriel's pass and drilling a low shot past Ter Stegen but, after reviewing his linesman's incorrect offside call, referee Carlos del Cerro Grande allowed the goal to stand.Sevilla goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik denied Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba before Clement Lenglet headed over from a Messi free-kick against his former employers.

Luis Suarez dragged a glorious chance wide but Barca were level when Messi's free-kick spun off the post and the unfortunate Vaclik for Pique to prod home.
Sarabia almost instantly restored Sevilla's advantage, only for Ter Stegen to stand firm following more fine work from Muriel.Franco Vazquez glanced against the top of the Barcelona bar from an Ever Baenga corner and clipped a shot agonisingly wide from the Argentina playmaker's pass in the 69th minute.

Vaclik thwarted Messi and Suarez with a brilliant double save but he had no chance when Dembele dazzlingly tried his luck with 12 minutes to play. Ben Yedder would gallingly fail with his considerably easier chance.

 

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Eintracht Frankfurt 0 Bayern Munich 5: Lewandowski hat-trick gets Kovac off to a flyer

Robert Lewandowski scored the first DFL-Supercup hat-trick as Niko Kovac's Bayern Munich tenure began in style with a 5-0 victory over his former club Eintracht Frankfurt.Kovac masterminded a Frankfurt win in the DFB-Pokal final over Bayern in May, but the Bavarians inflicted their revenge at the Commerzbank-Arena on Sunday.

Lewandowski starred, netting the first official goal of the Kovac era in the 21st minute, before taking advantage of poor goalkeeping from Frederik Ronnow to double his tally.Frankfurt showed brief signs of recovery before the interval, but new boss Adi Hutter was left to rue more defensive errors when Lewandowski and Kinglsey Coman put Bayern out of sight before Thiago completed the rout.


Bayern did not take long to click into gear - Lewandowski heading home from Joshua Kimmich's cross.Lewandowski had his second five minutes later, nodding in an Arjen Robben corner after Frankfurt new boy Ronnow was caught in no man's land.

Any hopes of a Frankfurt comeback were ended in the 54th minute - Lewandowski regaining possession high upfield before coolly slotting in his third.
Ronnow's debut was made worse just after the hour, as he palmed David Alaba's cross into the path of Coman, who made no mistake.

Coman turned provider late on as Bayern ran riot, Thiago getting in on the act with a confident finish to cap a brilliant start for Kovac, the only blot on his first competitive game in charge a knee injury to David Alaba that saw his side end the game with 10 men.

 

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Ronaldo arrival has taken Juve forward in Europe – Nedved


Pavel Nedved said the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo has increased Juventus' standing among Europe's elite as the vice-president lauded the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Ronaldo sensationally swapped European champions Real Madrid for Juve in a €112 million (£100m/$128m) deal and the Portugal superstar scored his first goal for the Serie A titleholders on Sunday.The 33-year-old was on target in the traditional friendly match between Juve's senior side and youth team.

Discussing Ronaldo's arrival, Nedved told Juventus TV: "Juventus' step forward among the big clubs in Europe has been confirmed further."That we managed to bring Ronaldo to Juventus is something exceptional."It'll give us a bit more for the future, as well as for all of Italian football."

It has been a busy off-season for the seven-time reigning Italian champions, who also signed Emre Can, Mattia Perin and Joao Cancelo, while they lured Leonardo Bonucci back to Turin.Juve signed Germany international midfielder Can as a free agent from Premier League giants Liverpool.

"There's been very little talk about Emre Can but this was an important move,"Nedved added. "He was wanted across Europe by many big clubs but we managed to sign him. He's a player with a lot of substance to his game both tactically and technically.

"He is a typical German player who knows how to distribute very well. You'll see that he will be very important to the team."

 

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Valencia complete €16m signing of Gameiro from Atletico Madrid


Kevin Gameiro has been presented as a Valencia player after completing his move from Atletico Madrid and is aiming to make his debut against his former club.

The France international initially joined Atletico in 2016 after impressing at Sevilla, but he was rarely considered first-choice despite costing them a reported €32 million (£29m/$36m) at the time.He made just 11 starts in La Liga last term, though he still managed to score seven times as Diego Simeone's men finished second to Barcelona in Spain's top tier.

Although Gameiro was considered a viable option both out wide and in attack, the pre-season arrivals of Gelson Martins, Nikola Kalinic and Thomas Lemar saw him fall even further down the pecking order, and Atletico have reportedly managed to recoup €16m (£14m/$18m) for the 31-year-old.

Gameiro has become Valencia's second attacking reinforcement in quick succession following the loan arrival of Michy Batshuayi and he plans to be available to face Atletico as his new side get their La Liga campaign started on August 20."Perhaps," Gameiro told a news conference when asked if he will be ready for the visit of Atletico.

"I have a little time left to get there [in terms of fitness]. I have a week to be here and prepare for the game."According to speculation, Simeone and Atletico were reluctant to sell Gameiro, particularly to a team which will likely be a direct rival of theirs in the top four this season.

But in securing the switch, Gameiro finds himself somewhere he has wanted to be for quite some time."It was not easy, but as the president has said, it has long been clear in my head [that he wanted to join Valencia]," Gameiro said. "Now I'm here and I'm very happy.

"A long time ago I wanted to come here, but because of club problems it couldn't be. Then there was no option and I went somewhere else."The coach [Marcelino Garcia Toral] told me that he wanted to work with me for a long time. When the coach tells you that, it gives you a lot of confidence to come.I will work hard to try to do many great things here."Gameiro has signed a three-year deal at Valencia.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Keita Balde joins Inter in €6m loan deal


Inter have completed the signing of Keita Balde on loan from Monaco, with an option to make the deal permanent.

As reported by Goal, the initial loan deal is worth €6 million (£5.4m/$6.8m) and the agreement includes an option for the Nerazzurri to sign the 23-year-old permanently for a further €42m plus a percentage of any future transfer.The Senegal international returns to Serie A after a single season with Monaco, who signed the versatile attacker from Lazio.

Keita scored eight goals in 23 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco but has been given the green light to move to Inter.Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Keita's agent Roberto Calenda praised Monaco for allowing the 23-year-old to move back to Italy.

"Monaco should be thanked," Calenda said. "They gave Keita back his smile, his serenity and his carefree feeling after years of tension and promises made and never kept by Lazio's management.

"I'm not surprised they let him leave: the deal will benefit everyone. The player still has the desire to explode in this country, where he grew up as a footballer. At 23, it's the perfect time to do it."

Keita made a single appearance for Senegal at the World Cup, starting his country's 1-0 loss to Colombia in the group stage.

He now becomes the latest man to join Inter in a busy transfer window for the Nerazzurri, after Lautaro Martinez, Radja Nainggolan, Stefan de Vrij, Kwadwo Asamoah, Sime Vrsaljko and Federico Di Marco.

 

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'Thank you, good luck and farewell' - David Silva announces Spain retirement

Manchester City star David Silva has confirmed he will no longer represent Spain at international level, in a letter published on social media.Silva represented his country on 125 occasions, scoring 35 times in an international career that spanned 12 years.

The playmaker helped La Roja lift their first World Cup title in 2010, and also played a part in back-to-back European Championship triumphs in 2008 and 2012.

But after more than a decade playing for his nation, Silva has decided to call it a day and focus on his club career.

"It is not easy, after everything I have experienced, to sit down and write this letter," the 32-year-old star explained in an open letter posted on Twitter. "There have been days and weeks of reflection and analysis to make the decision to finish my time in the Spain national team. Without a doubt it is one of the hardest decisions in my career.

"The national team has given me everything and has allowed me to grow as a player and as a person from my first days in the youth set-up. I leave with pride after playing 125 games and scoring 35 goals in a 12-year spell where we lifted the World Cup and two European Championships.

"I leave happy with all I have achieved, experienced and dreamed with a team that will be remembered forever, and I have ended an era filled with emotion from all those moments that come to my mind, like the figure of Luis Aragones, a teacher that none of us will ever forget. "I cannot leave without thanking all of my team-mates, the coaches that had faith in me and the RFEF employees that do everything to make our lives easier.

"I also want to thank my family for their support over the years, without their help I would never have been able to form part of this team. And of course, the fans who have always given me their support and respect every time I wore the Spain shirt.

"Thank you, good luck and farewell!"Silva is the third Spain star to hang up his boots following the nation's World Cup last-16 exit at the hands of hosts Russia.

Andres Iniesta revealed minutes after July's penalty shoot-out defeat he was standing down, while Gerard Pique followed his former Barcelona captain's example on Saturday during a press conference.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Thanks for everything David Silva!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Willian: No chance I'd have stayed at Chelsea under Conte


Willian says that there is "no chance" he would have carried on playing for Chelsea under Antonio Conte, but he is happy he stuck around to play for Maurizio Sarri.

Barcelona bid to secure Willian from Chelsea over the summer, although they were put off as the club demanded more than £60 million for the winger, who has also interested Manchester United in recent seasons.The 30-year-old was a key player towards the end of Conte's reign, but he still didn't see eye-to-eye with his former manager and even placed trophy emoji's over him as he posted his FA Cup celebration pictures to his Instagram page.

However, thoughts of leaving are no longer on his agenda."Would I be here if Conte stayed? No chance. No," he said. "I'm here. I'm here because I want to play for Chelsea. I will only leave if Chelsea want me to go."

Chelsea won 3-0 against Huddersfield in their opening Premier League match on Saturday, with N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Pedro providing the goals at the John Smith's Stadium. Willian featured from the outset of the match and he was impressed by the attacking football on show under Sarri.

"We wanted to start like that. I think we played very well, we had control of the game, we had possession," Willian added. "We always tried to be in control. We played a great game at Huddersfield. We are just in the beginning. We know we have to improve.

"Jorginho has played very well, he has a lot of quality and helps our play build up from the back. I think we played very well. Now we have to continue like that because next week we have a great game to play against Arsenal and we want to win again.

Asked if he was having fun under his new boss, who has a reputation for favouring attacking football, he replied: "I think so. We have a lot of players with quality up front, players like Eden Hazard and Pedro. Players like that want to play football.That's why Sarri talked about 'fun' football because he wants to build from the back. This is what we will try to do this season.

"This is what we do in Brazil and are trying to do here, playing with skill and movement and the manager told us to do that."Next up is a London derby against Arsenal - a side Chelsea haven't beaten in their last six outings against.Willian thinks the different style of play will create problems against their London rivals.

"Now we have a different profile of football, a different way to play football," he said. "The manager tells us to play, to enjoy ourselves on the pitch - with responsibility. Now I think we have a different style to play that's why we can create problems for Arsenal."

 

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Roma sign €30m World Cup-winner Nzonzi from Sevilla


Roma have announced the signing of midfielder Steven Nzonzi, who arrives from Sevilla in a reported €30 million (£27m/$34m) deal.

The midfielder, 29, had previously been linked with a big-money switch to the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester United among the rumoured suitors.However, on the back of winning the World Cup with France, Nzonzi has become the latest new face at Roma ahead of the start of the 2018-19 Serie A season.

Eusebio Di Francesco's side have been busy re-shaping their squad following the departures of star duo Radja Nainggolan and Alisson this summer.

Roma have brought in the likes of Javier Pastore, Justin Kluivert, Robin Olsen, Ivan Marcano and Ante Coric as they look to mount a title challenge this term.And Nzonzi will no doubt strengthen their cause, having enjoyed plenty of success in recent seasons.

The former Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City midfielder lifted the 2015-16 Europa League with Sevilla before helping France secure the World Cup in Russia.Nzonzi made five appearances during the World Cup, coming off the bench in the final as France looked to see out their 4-2 win over Croatia in Moscow.

Di Francesco's new-look Roma start their Serie A campaign with an away trip to Torino on Sunday.

 

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Ronaldo sale won't stop Real Madrid from winning - Ramos


Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Real Madrid for Juventus will not stop the La Liga giants from winning, according to club captain Sergio Ramos.

Ronaldo joined Juve in a deal worth €112 million (£100m/$128m) to end a nine-year spell at Madrid that concluded with a trio of consecutive Champions League titles.Madrid are yet to bring in a Ronaldo replacement, with new coach Julen Lopetegui indicating he sees Gareth Bale playing a more important role.

Ronaldo raised eyebrows in Spain when he referred to Juve feeling like a "family" after the Portugal captain scored on his first appearance in a game against the club's youth team.

But Ramos is bullish about Madrid's chances of maintaining their European dominance - starting against Atletico Madrid in Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup - despite Ronaldo leaving."You had to dig a little deeper. Here we have always felt a family," Ramos told a news conference.

"The key to success has been that we have always been [a family], and we have felt part of that family. The loss of such an important player is negative, but that is not why we are going to stop winning.

"Throughout history we have gone through cracks and have continued to win. We will have to leave this to us and Real Madrid will carry on, no matter what happens Madrid will not stop winning.

"He has decided to change stage and hopefully he will do well."

 

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World Cup winner Griezmann announced as one of two new Atletico Madrid captains


Antoine Griezmann has been named one of Atletico Madrid's four captains following the departure of Gabi.

The France star, who helped Les Bleus win the World Cup at Russia 2018, is promoted to the captaincy for the first time after 35-year-old Gabi joined Al Sadd following Atletico's Europa League triumph.Defender Diego Godin will be the primary captain, the defender having reportedly agreed a new contract despite speculation he could join Juventus.

"Being a captain is a thing of happiness, pride and responsibility, especially in this team," Godin said at a news conference ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid.

"I feel pride and a lot of responsibility to wear the armband, I have contact with Gabi and we have talked, we would have liked him to be with us."We are trying to prepare for the final and the important thing will be tomorrow, what is said in the previous one is hypothesis, it's up to us to want to win it.

"My personal goals are those of the team, the Champions League is the great dream of this club, the goal is to improve on what was done the previous year."We are at a time when new players arrive to improve the team. We are very optimistic."

Koke will be the second captain, with Griezmann and experienced right-back Juanfran also assuming leadership responsibilities for Diego Simeone's side.

"These games have to be played with everything you have inside," Koke told reporters of facing Madrid in Tallinn."It's been an unusual pre-season, we've been getting together little by little, but those of us who have been here the longest know how this coaching staff works and this is a final, you have to be prepared.

"No matter the match, playing against Madrid is special, but it is another final and we have the maximum enthusiasm."

 

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Juventus striker Mandzukic retires from Croatia duty


Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic has announced his retirement from international football after his country reached the World Cup final for the first time.

Zlatko Dalic's side saw off Denmark, England and hosts Russia in the knockout stages of the tournament, though they were beaten 4-2 by France in the final in Moscow.

Mandzukic was on the scoresheet at both ends in the game, capitalising on an error from France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to find the right net having inadvertently opened the scoring with an own goal.



But the Juventus attacker, 32, confirmed he is stepping down from international duty in a lengthy social media post released on Tuesday."World Cup silver has given me new energy, but it has also made this incredibly difficult decision a bit easier," he wrote.

"We have made our dreams come true, achieved a historic success, and experienced an unbelievable fan support. That month, including the welcome in Zagreb, Slavonski Brod, and the entire Croatia, will remain the most important memory of my career.

"This has been the most beautiful national team journey, and my favourite return to my homeland."I am more than happy, fulfilled, and extremely proud of this silver, that has been forged through years, through pain, effort, work, disappointment, and difficult moments.

"There is no ideal moment to retire. If possible, we would all play for Croatia until we die, since there is no prouder feeling, but I feel this moment has come for me - now.

"I've given my best for Croatia, I have contributed to the biggest success of Croatian football." The former Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid player also declared his appreciation for Croatia's supporters, adding: "No one is perfect. I have missed opportunities, lost the ball, and made mistakes at passing.

"However, I have always given my best, playing my heart out. Thank you for recognising this, and standing by me and by Croatia."As of today, my place is alongside you - among the most loyal Croatia fans."

 

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Ander Herrera hints at new Man Utd deal as he targets double century of appearances


Ander Herrera has hinted that he will be signing a new contract at Manchester United , with the Spaniard targeting 200 appearances for the club.The 29-year-old moved to Old Trafford in 2014, with Louis van Gaal snapping him up for £29 million ($37m) from Athletic Club.Since then, Herrera has gone on to make 161 appearances over four seasons.

His efforts saw him named Player of the Year in 2016-17 – breaking David de Gea’s monopoly of that prize – and he remains an important squad player under Jose Mourinho.

Herrera told Inside United of his achievements to date: "First of all, it makes me feel very proud, because when you play for Manchester United, you have to deserve, every season, to keep playing for the club."I think the manager is very happy with me, the fans are very happy with me, so that makes me really proud."

Herrera has entered the final 12 months of his current deal with the Red Devils, but he is ready to commit to an extension as he eyes more outings and additions to a CV which already includes FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League triumphs.
He added: "All the memories I have are amazing."I have been able to win trophies for the club, I have been able to play more than 160 games right now, so what I have in my mind is to go for the 200 games and keep adding games for the club and for myself.

"The way the club treats me is perfect, the love the fans show for me couldn't be better or bigger, my family is happy in Manchester, so I just try to give everything and put all my strength and effort to keep deserving to play for this club."Herrera played no part in United’s 2018-19 season opener against Leicester after picking up a knock in a friendly clash with Bayern Munich.

He will, however, be hoping to figure prominently over the course of the campaign, as he chases down a new contract and more major honours.

 

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Modric agent claims Real Madrid star wants Inter move


Luka Modric's agent has opened the door to a potential move to Inter, insisting the Real Madrid midfielder is enthused by the idea of playing for the Serie A side.

The Croatia captain has been linked with a Real Madrid exit having won La Liga once in 2016-17 and four Champions League titles, among many other trophy triumphs since his move from Tottenham in 2012.

Modric was included in Madrid's 29-man squad for Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup meeting with Atletico Madrid , although speculation regarding his future has refused to go away.

Indeed, Italian publication Corriere della Sera reported on Tuesday that Inter have not given up on signing Modric, and that the player will discuss his future with Madrid president Florentino Perez on Thursday.

And Modric's agent has talked up the 32-year-old's chances of moving to Italy, insisting that the midfielder has been thinking about playing a big role for Luciano Spalletti's side.

Marko Naletilic told Tuttosport : "Modric didn't just think about playing at Inter, he's really thrilled by the idea of having a big role with the Nerazzurri."I have the feeling that sooner or later, Modric will play in Italy: he grew up watching Serie A."

Modric was one of the stand-out performers at the World Cup, playing in all seven of Croatia's matches on his way to winning the Golden Ball, where they were eventually beaten in the final by France.

Perez and head coach Julen Lopetegui have been emphatic in their public assertions that Modric would not be sold, with the Madrid president joking that he can leave for his release clause value of €750 million (£670m/$870m).Modric has made 257 appearances to date for Real Madrid, scoring 13 goals.

 

[RiFTeR]

Modric agent claims Real Madrid star wants Inter move

porata 10 year deal dekak dennam kiyala. 5 years at inter and another 5 in china. ekai yanna hadanne.

habei itin €750 million release clause ekak ekka mekanam wena deal ekak newe.

 

[RiFTeR]

Super Cup predictions ???

No more CR7 for Real

Can Simeone get lucky this time? ​

 

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porata 10 year deal dekak dennam kiyala. 5 years at inter and another 5 in china. ekai yanna hadanne.

habei itin €750 million release clause ekak ekka mekanam wena deal ekak newe.

Ow bro matath hithenne naha €750 million release clause ekkanam meka wei kiyalaath balamu....​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid 2 Atletico Madrid 4 (after extra time): Saul stunner seals Super Cup glory

Saul Niguez scored a sensational volley to help earn Atletico Madrid a 4-2 UEFA Super Cup triumph in extra time against city rivals Real Madrid.Diego Costa's wonderful goal after 49 seconds, the fastest in Super Cup history, got Atletico off to a flyer in Tallinn on Wednesday.

But Karim Benzema headed in Gareth Bale's brilliant cross and Sergio Ramos converted a penalty awarded for a Juanfran handball to turn the tie around for Julen Lopetegui in his first game in charge of Madrid.Despite Diego Simeone serving a touchline ban Atleti showed their fighting spirit to come from behind themselves, Costa scoring from close range before Saul's stunning strike in the 98th minute settled a gripping contest.

The brilliant Costa then combined with Vitolo to set up Koke for a drilled fourth that gave Atletico bragging rights over their rivals as well as the first European title of the season.


Atleti took the lead in the first minute of a thrilling clash, Costa rampaging away from Ramos and Raphael Varane to slam home past Keylor Navas after chasing down his own flick-on from Diego Godin's long ball.Marco Asensio was close to equalising with a flicked finish from a Marcelo left-wing cross, but Jan Oblak made an excellent save.

Madrid equalised in the 27th minute, though, Bale delivering a wonderful deep cross from the right wing that Benzema nodded past Oblak.With France forward Antoine Griezmann in muted form, Atletico gradually lost control of the contest and Madrid took the lead from the penalty spot after Juanfran handled in the area.

Ramos sent Oblak the wrong way from the penalty spot, scoring in the Super Cup for the second time and seemingly putting Madrid on course to win the trophy for the third year in a row.But Marcelo's mistake on the touchline allowed Juanfran and Angel Correa to combine and set up Costa to slam home an equaliser in the 79th minute.

And when substitute Thomas Partey stood up a cross from the left, Saul was on hand to lash a vicious volley into Navas' top-right corner to regain the lead for Atletico, with Koke's fine first-time finish in the 104th minute wrapping up the scoring.