..::Football IV::..

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OFFICIAL: Arsenal complete Xhaka signing

Arsenal have completed the signing of Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach for a deal worth up to £33.1 million.

The 23-year-old arrived at the club's training ground on Friday to undergo a medical and put the final touches on a four-year deal. Xhaka is expected to wear the no.34 shirt after Francis Coquelin agreed to vacate it.

Xhaka's arrival before the start of the transfer window is a statement of intent by Arsene Wenger, who saw his Arsenal side clinch second place over local rivals Tottenham on the final day of the season, and the start of what is expected to be a busy summer for the Gunners.

"I'm very proud to be joining Arsenal," Xhaka told the club's official website. "I cannot wait to move to London, represent this special club and play in the Premier League.

"I will give everything to help Arsenal win trophies and make the fans happy."

Wenger added: "Granit Xhaka is an exciting young player, already with good Champions League and Bundesliga experience. We have been watching him for a long time now and he is a player who will add quality to our squad.

"We wish Granit a good Euro 2016 with Switzerland and look forward to welcoming him to Arsenal ahead of next season."
The Switzerland international is the second midfielder to arrive at the Emirates Stadium in under six months, following Mohamed Elneny's January move, as Wenger prepares for the expected departures of Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky.

Wenger's failure to buy an outfield player in the transfer window last summer received widespread criticism from Arsenal fans, and he aims to get the majority of his transfer business done before the club travel to the United States for their two pre-season games in San Jose and Los Angeles at the end of July.

Arsenal remain in discussions with Bolton over the signing of defender Rob Holding. A bid of £750,000 was rejected by the club recently relegated to League One, but the player is expected to push for a move if a follow-up offer is rebuffed.

 

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Scholes hopes Mourinho keeps Giggs at Manchester United

Paul Scholes hopes fellow Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs will be retained on Jose Mourinho's Old Trafford staff.Mourinho is poised to replace Louis van Gaal in the Old Trafford hot seat after the Dutchman was sacked on Monday, just two days after leading United to FA Cup glory.

Giggs served as Van Gaal's assistant for two years and had been tipped to take the top job after the former Barcelona coach's planned departure in 2017, but Mourinho is expected to hire his own staff, including long-term right-hand man Rui Faria.

This has put Giggs' future in doubt, with reports suggesting that the 13-time Premier League winner may take the opportunity to launch a managerial career elsewhere.

But Scholes believes his former team-mate and close friend's in-depth knowledge of United should be cultivated by Mourinho and his staff.

"I've not spoken to him for a few days but hopefully he will still be involved," Scholes told talkSPORT."He's got great experience, he knows the club inside out. "I think everybody involved with the club and the fans especially would love him to be involved in some way - whether it is assistant or just helping him [Mourinho] being around the place.

"He has been there for nearly 30 years now, he knows the players, he knows what type of football is expected and hopefully he can be of assistance somehow."

 

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Balotelli set for Liverpool return, confirms Berlusconi

Mario Balotelli is set for a return to Liverpool after AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi revealed the striker is among a host of departures at the club.

Balotelli joined Milan on a season-long loan in August last year but endured a disappointing campaign at the San Siro, scoring just once in 20 Serie A appearances. The 25-year-old, who still has two years left on his Liverpool deal, admitted in April he does not want a return to Liverpool at the end of the season.

Milan finished seventh in Serie A this season, with coach Sinisa Mihajlovic sacked and replaced by Cristian Brocchi a month out from the end of the campaign.

And Berlusconi confirmed there would be a big clean-out at the club in the summer, with Balotelli just one of several players heading for the exit door."There are many departures in sight, and Mario is one who will end his contract with us," the 79-year-old told Telelombardi.

"There is also [Philippe] Mexes, Alex, [Kevin-Prince] Boateng and others, all five are at the end of their contract, and then some other names that we put on the [transfer] market."

 

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Schweinsteiger: It will be a special season with Mourinho at Manchester United

Bastian Schweinsteiger believes 2016-17 will be a “special season” with Jose Mourinho in charge of Manchester United.

United are set to announce a deal for the former Chelsea boss after sacking Louis van Gaal on Monday evening.

And Schweinsteiger thinks Mourinho will bring renewed energy to Old Trafford.

“We don’t know who will be our new manager yet, but it looks like it’s going to be an interesting derby in Manchester next season,” Schweinsteiger said at a Euro 2016 press conference in Ascona.

“The enthusiasm for football in Manchester is great and if Mourinho does take over at United, I think all of the players want to train under him so it’s going to be quite a special season.”

Van Gaal departed United after winning the FA Cup and Schweinsteiger, who also played under the Dutchman at Bayern Munich, believes the 64-year-old left the club on a positive note.

"I think Louis van Gaal and I have a very special relationship - he moved me into the centre of the midfield at Bayern and I've got a lot to thank him for,” he said.
"Also, my move to United was because of him. I will never say any bad words about somebody for whom I have so much to thank.

"Quite the opposite - even if we were not always of the same opinion, we had a good relationship. I admire him as a coach and despite a difficult season with really much injury misfortune, he still ended it with a good title.

"It's been two years since United last won a title and I think that was a good ending also for him."

 

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Special one.Special Season​

 

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Ronaldo: I am going to retire at Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is ready to retire at Real Madrid and is willing to sign a contract extension.

The 31-year-old’s current deal expires in 2018 and has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and a return to Manchester United.

Earlier this year, Ronaldo hinted that he could be open to a switch to Major League Soccer but the Portugal international is now ready to see out his career in the Spanish capital.

"It's obvious I want to stay I here. I think I am going to retire at Real Madrid,” Ronaldo told La Sexta’s 'Jugones' show.

"Renewal after the Champions League final? Let's see. Real Madrid would be smart if they extend my contract.

"I am happy at Real Madrid. I can see no club better than this one.”

 

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Mourinho and United a 'good wedding' - Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti believes Jose Mourinho is the perfect fit for Manchester United as the three-time Premier League winner closes in on the Old Trafford managerial hot seat.

Mourinho - out of a job since leaving Chelsea in December - is set to be confirmed as United manager in the coming days after Louis van Gaal was sacked following the FA Cup final on Monday.

Some past and present players doubt whether Mourinho's style of play is suited to Old Trafford but Bayern Munich boss Ancelotti feels the Portuguese is the right man to take United forward after three seasons without a Premier League title.

"I think it is a good wedding [with United] because Mourinho really knows the Premier League well. He is one of the best coaches in the world and Manchester United at this moment need someone who can improve what they did in the last two years with Louis van Gaal," Ancelotti told the Telegraph.

"There are different opinions about the job of Van Gaal, no? My opinion is that he arrived in a moment when he needed to rebuild a team after Rio Ferdinand, after [Paul] Scholes, after [Ryan] Giggs, after Ferguson and it takes time."The same thing happened to Milan. When Milan lost [Paolo] Maldini, [Gennaro] Gattuso, [Filippo] Inzaghi it was difficult to rebuild the team quickly, they needed time.

"The last year they [United] showed they have really good young players. And maybe with Mourinho they could have a step forward."

 

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Chelsea & Conte yet to contact Pato over future

Chelsea and Antonio Conte are yet to speak to Alexandre Pato over his future at the club beyond the end of the season.

The striker moved on loan to Stamford Bridge in January until the end of the season, but had to wait until April 2 for his first appearances due to concerns over his fitness.

Pato scored on his debut from the penalty spot, but made just one further outing under interim manager Guus Hiddink and has just a month left on his own temporary deal.

"Chelsea has not given the player, me, or anyone any information regarding Pato's future," Pato's agent Gilmar Veloz told Goal.

Conte was announced as Chelsea's next manager on a three-year deal two days after Pato's debut and has set about assessing the squad ahead of his Euro 2016 commitments with Italy.

John Terry has seen his expiring deal extended for a further year, and Conte has instructed the club to sign a new big-name striker - with Gonzalo Higuain, Romelu Lukaku and Alvaro Morata identified.

Summer bids for striker Diego Costa will be resisted, but Loic Remy's future remains in doubt and loanee Radamel Falcao was sent back to Monaco after a torrid second season in the Premier League.

Pato is keen to stay at Chelsea, as Kia Joorabchian exclusively told Goal in April , and Veloz is surprised at the lack of communication from Conte and the club as the loan deal nears expiration. Veloz added: "We received the news that Mr. Conte was revising the players in the squad, however, he did not contact Pato or me to talk about his future as well.

"For now, Pato's future is still in the open, Chelsea has the option to buy, but if they don't then we will begin looking for other clubs. As of the moment, we must first wait to hear the club's decision."

The Brazilian hopes to stay in the Premier League should an extension to his Chelsea fail to materalise, with another London-based club his preference, though is willing to relocate in England rather than head back to Corinthians.

 

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Benitez to stay at relegated Newcastle

Rafa Benitez has signed a new three-year contract to stay at Newcastle United despite their relegation from the Premier League.

The Spaniard joined the Magpies in March to take charge of their final 10 games of the 2015-16 season but despite overseeing a six-match unbeaten run, did not do enough to prevent the club from dropping into the Championship.Benitez has been in talks with the Newcastle hierarchy since the end of the campaign to decide whether he would extend his stay on Tyneside.

And following positive discussions, Benitez - who has been an instant hit with supporters - has decided to remain at Newcastle, who have confirmed he will have "day-to-day responsibility for all football-related matters at the club".In a statement on the club's official website, Benitez said: "I am extremely pleased to be staying at Newcastle United.

"The love I could feel from the fans was a big influence for me in my decision to stay, as was my relationship with Lee Charnley and all the staff."This is a huge club and I wanted to be part of the great future I can see for Newcastle United.”

Managing director Lee Charnley added: "When we brought Rafa to the club in March, we knew he was a phenomenal manager and everything we have seen from him since has only served to reinforce that.

"We are therefore delighted to have secured his services for the next three years and I believe with Rafa as manager it gives us the best possible chance of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking and delivering success for this football club beyond that.

"It is clear that Rafa has connected deeply with the club's supporters and we do not underestimate the role they have played in his decision to stay.”

 

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Benitez 'convinced' he can win trophies at Newcastle

Rafael Benitez is convinced he can win trophies with Newcastle United after deciding to stay at the club despite relegation from the Premier League.

Benitez signed a three-year contract in March in a deal that had a clause allowing him to leave Newcastle should they be relegated. Despite finishing the season on a six-game unbeaten run, Benitez was unable to steer Newcastle to safety.

However, after talks with owner Mike Ashley, he has committed his future to the club - putting pen to paper on a new three-year contract at St James' Park.And speaking in a media conference on Wednesday, Benitez has targeted delivering silverware for Newcastle.

"A lot of things contributed to my decision but the first thing was the fans and the stature of the club and the future,” he said.

"I have had a lot of advice from a lot of people but everyone in the north-east is behind the team. My family also told me to stay.

"I am sure we can be where we belong again. But we must work hard - but it's not easy."For me it's a challenge. I have a reputation, I have won trophies and now it's time for a project. I can see the possibilities.

"I am convinced we can go up next season. I am convinced we can win trophies - that's why I am sitting here."Newcastle confirmed Benitez will have day-to-day responsibility over all football matters and the Spaniard insists he is under no pressure to sell any players.

"Football business, I will have responsibility. But [the] main thing for me is that I will have a strong team and a winning team," he added.

"I have the assurances that if I don't want to sell any players, I don't need to sell anyone."

 

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Manchester City target Thiago pledges future to Bayern

Thiago Alcantara has reiterated his desire to stay at Bayern Munich, despite continued speculation that Pep Guardiola wants to take him to Manchester City.Guardiola took Thiago with him to Bayern from Barcelona in 2013 and reports have indicated that he is keen to have the 25-year-old playmaker on board at City.

Thiago initially denied that he wanted to leave the Bundesliga champions earlier this year, and has once again pledged his immediate future to the club on social media.

In a post on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, Thiago wrote: "Thanks for your support!!! See you next season, @FCBayern family! #MiaSanMia."

 

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'Impossible' to see any of MSN leaving Barcelona - Bartomeu

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says it is "impossible" to see any of the club's stellar 'MSN' forward line leaving the club in the summer.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar scored a staggering 131 goals between them in 2015-16 as Barca claimed a second successive domestic double.

But speculation concerning the future of Neymar in particular continues - despite the Brazil captain's insistence this week that he is happy at Camp Nou - with some reports suggesting that Barca cannot afford to keep all three of their star men.

However, when asked by French radio station RMC whether he could envisage Messi, Suarez or Neymar seeking pastures new in the coming months, Barca chief Bartomeu replied: "No, I think it's impossible.

"All our players are very happy with our club and our city because it is very pleasant to live there."The players are very happy to be in a club that wins. I'm not afraid because everyone is happy, nobody asked me to leave.

"I read the press and all the media. There are many clubs in the world that would have players of Barcelona - ​it's normal, they are very good."[But] they told us they were feeling very good in Barcelona and we now prepare for next season."

When informed that Messi had recently purchased an apartment in Paris, the home of mega-rich Paris Saint-Germain, Bartomeu commented: "I did not know that! Paris is a beautiful city but I did not know. "Messi knows Paris is a very charming city. That's good, Messi is going to Paris on vacation, it's good!

"He said it a few months ago - Barcelona will be his last club in Europe. He wants to finish his career in Europe with Barca."

 

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Juventus eye Barcelona's Dani Alves on free transfer

Juventus are trying to sign Barcelona star Dani Alves on a free transfer.Goal understands there is a clause in the right-back's contract that allows him to leave Camp Nou a year before his deal is due to expire.

Juventus, who are also in contact with Barcelona's Javier Mascherano, have held talks with Alves and are considering offering him a two-year contract with the option of a third year.

Having won their fifth consecutive Scudetto this season, the Bianconeri will prioritise the Champions League next term and are therefore looking to add experience to their squad.They are also likely to be in the market for a right-sided wide player who can play both in a back four and at wing-back as Juan Cuadrado is set to return to Chelsea.

Alves has faced speculation over his future in Catalonia over the past couple of years but played 48 matches in all competitions as Barcelona won a league and cup double this season.

 

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Zidane friendship has united Real Madrid again, claims Ramos

Sergio Ramos says Real Madrid's players have enjoyed great success under Zinedine Zidane so far due to the "great relationship" that exists between squad and coach.

Zidane was promoted from the Castilla coaching job to lead the senior team in January after a fractured spell under Rafael Benitez, who reportedly struggled to command the full respect of Madrid's 'Galacticos'.

The former France international won the Champions League for Madrid as a player, his wondrous volley helping see off Bayer Leverkusen in the 2001 final, and will now hope to add another European Cup to his CV in Saturday's showpiece with Atletico Madrid at San Siro.

Carlo Ancelotti led Madrid to their 10th Champions League success, beating Atletico 4-1 in the 2013 final after extra time, and Ramos says the French icon is comparable with the Italian tactician.

"We have a great relationship with Zizou," Ramos told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I have a relationship that has grown since I played with him but everyone knows him as the second Carlo Ancelotti.

"The great relationship he had with the team turned into a friendship and made things easier. "That was missing with Benitez."

Ramos said it was little surprise that Zidane has become such a jovial presence on the training pitch."Maybe he was more timid as a player, but he understood that had to change as a coach," the Madrid captain added.

"He has changed for the better. Now he speaks with individual players, along with the group, every day."

 

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Ronaldo: Manchester United lack identity - I hope Mourinho brings it back

Cristiano Ronaldo believes Manchester United have lacked identity since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure but believes the appointment of Jose Mourinho is good for the club.

Ronaldo spent six years at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009 before joining Real Madrid, where he was coached by Mourinho for three seasons.

And with the Portuguese set to be confirmed imminently as United’s new manager after the sacking of Louis van Gaal, Ronaldo hopes the 53-year-old proves to be the right man to turn around the club’s fortunes.

“I think it’s good. If it's something United wanted, I think it’s good,” Ronaldo told La Sexta's 'Jugones' TV show.

“I hope Manchester United get back to being what they were because it’s an impressive club but in recent years they lacked an identity a bit.

“And it hurts me seeing United like that because it’s a club I carry in my heart.

"I wish Mourinho can restore them back to the top.”

Ronaldo went on to admit that he and Mourinho had their issues during their spell together at the Santiago Bernabeu, but he insists he bears no grudge with his compatriot.

“I would embrace him, no problem,” he said of the former Inter and Chelsea boss.

“One of my greatest qualities is to not hold grudges with anyone regardless of the damage they may have done to me. I’m not saying he did, I’m saying in general.

“There were some problems as there are in life, like you have problems with your wife.”

 

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Lukaku offers Everton ultimatum: I want to win trophies!

Romelu Lukaku has dropped a strong hint that his future lies away from Everton, after outlining his desire to start collecting trophies.

Lukaku has scored 61 goals across three seasons for the Toffees, but this year's defeats in the semi-finals of the League Cup and FA Cup to Manchester's City and United respectively are the closest the Belgium star has come to silverware.

A return to Chelsea has been mooted for Lukaku, who says he has already made a decision on where he will play next season, while his father has been keen to talk up a move to United or Bayern Munich.Everton were taken over by Farhad Moshiri in February, bringing unprecedented spending power to Goodison Park, along with a bumper new Premier League TV deal.

Though Moshiri may have grand plans for the Merseyside club, Lukaku refused to commit his future to Everton.

"I have come to a time where I have to make a good career choice," Lukaku told Voetbalmagazine."We have a new investor at Everton and out of courtesy I will listen to what he has to say. But in my head, I already know what I want. I want to win titles.

"I have had a very good season, but it is time for me to build up my reputation. That is why I play football."I got that trophy-winning mindset from Chelsea."

 

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Australia Women's team loses 7-0 to Under-15 men's side

In quite some setback ahead of the summer Olympics in Rio, Australia Women's team have lost 7-0 to a Newcastle Jets Under-15 side.

'The Matildas', pictured above in January, are ranked fifth in the FIFA world rankings and have reached the last three World Cup quarter-finals, but saw their confidence hit earlier this week with a humbling at the hands of some kids.

Australia were fielding a heavily rotated side and missing their overseas-based players but still boasted a group of high-profile players ahead of friendlies against New Zealand and Greece Women's teams.

"To be honest we didn't expect that," Gary van Egmond, likely feeling mixed emotions being assistant coach for Australia Women's team and academy director of the Newcastle Jets, told The Huffington Post Australia.

"But the Jets boys were very good. All credit to them. They moved the ball around very well and were excellent on the night."

Australia Women regularly test themselves against male teams due to the lack of required local female talent and drew 2-2 on their last clash against teenagers.

"I think there were a couple of contributing factors to the loss. At this stage in their preparation, obviously the Matildas are not in a position to play regular games so I'd suggest all and sundry were a little bit rusty.

"We could have had an easier game, but we definitely want to keep testing the girls."

'The Matildas' will be the sole football representative for Australia at the Olympics.

 

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Ronaldo can become first player ever to score in three Champions League finals

Cristiano Ronaldo has another Champions League record in his sights as he looks to become the first player to score in three finals when Real Madrid face Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

The Portuguese is the all-time top scorer in the competition's history with 93 goals, beating Lionel Messi's current tally of 83, and became the first player to reach double figures in the group stage with his 11 strikes this season

Ronaldo, who is gearing up for this fourth final appearance after two with Manchester United and winning on his only outing with Madrid in 2014, can match his record return of 17 in a Champions League campaign with another goal against Atletico.

Ronaldo scored in his first final outing when United triumped over Chelsea in 2008, scoring the opening goal as the game went to penalties in Moscow, before adding a last-minute penalty in extra time as Atletico were beaten 4-1 two years ago.

The three-time Ballon d'Or winner is on course to finish as Champions League top scorer for a fifth time this season, matching Messi's record, but will still trail the record for final appearances.

Paolo Maldini holds the record with six final outings, while Edwin van der Sar, Clarence Seedorf and Patrice Evra have five under their belts.