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..::Football IV::..
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Juanfran promises Champions League success in heartfelt letter to fans
Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran has promised that his side will one day win the Champions League in a heartfelt letter to the club's fans.
Juanfran struck his penalty against the post in his side's shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid in Saturday's final at San Siro, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to secure the win from 12 yards.
A tearful Juanfran was applauded by fans inside the stadium after the match, and the 31-year-old has vowed to repay that support by delivering the Champions League trophy after two final defeats in three years."Hello Atleticos," a message posted via Atleti's official website began. "I have asked the club to address all of you with this letter to tell you everything I feel.
"I will never forget your displays of affection when I came to ask for your forgiveness. Seeing my tears reflected in the faces of the thousands of Atleticos that packed that end of the stadium helped me cope with the tremendous sadness I felt in those hard times. As well as the support of my team-mates, coaches, and all the people that makes this big family.
"I also want to thank you for always believing in us and, above all, for proving that being an Atletico is something very special, different, and that our heart beats stronger than any other.
"Two years ago, I told you that we would return to a final, now, I tell you that Gabi, our captain, will lift the Champions League sooner or later, and we will celebrate it all together in Neptuno [the statue in Madrid]. "I love you very much and GO ATLETI."
Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran has promised that his side will one day win the Champions League in a heartfelt letter to the club's fans.
Juanfran struck his penalty against the post in his side's shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid in Saturday's final at San Siro, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to secure the win from 12 yards.
A tearful Juanfran was applauded by fans inside the stadium after the match, and the 31-year-old has vowed to repay that support by delivering the Champions League trophy after two final defeats in three years."Hello Atleticos," a message posted via Atleti's official website began. "I have asked the club to address all of you with this letter to tell you everything I feel.
"I will never forget your displays of affection when I came to ask for your forgiveness. Seeing my tears reflected in the faces of the thousands of Atleticos that packed that end of the stadium helped me cope with the tremendous sadness I felt in those hard times. As well as the support of my team-mates, coaches, and all the people that makes this big family.
"I also want to thank you for always believing in us and, above all, for proving that being an Atletico is something very special, different, and that our heart beats stronger than any other.
"Two years ago, I told you that we would return to a final, now, I tell you that Gabi, our captain, will lift the Champions League sooner or later, and we will celebrate it all together in Neptuno [the statue in Madrid]. "I love you very much and GO ATLETI."
The next Rashford? No call from Mourinho yet but Ashley Fletcher wants Man Utd chance
Ashley Fletcher is determined to fight for a place in the Manchester United first team, after earning comparisons with Marcus Rashford during a loan spell at Barnsley.
The 20-year-old netted a wonderful goal to send the Tykes back to the Championship during Sunday's League One play-off final.
Barnsley coach Paul Heckingbottom subsequently marked the loanee out as the next Rashford at Old Trafford, a mantle the youngster aims to live up to.
"I'll go back to United a better player and I thank Barnsley for giving me the opportunity to play games. I feel like I've progressed here and developed my game. I'll go back to Man United and see what I can do there," he told Sky Sports.
"It is something I'll relish [going back to United to compete for a place]. There are a lot of good young players coming through and I think they'll be buying some new players as well.
"For me to compete with other players will be great and really bring on my game."
Fletcher admitted he had not yet spoken to new manager Jose Mourinho, but he aims to make his mark once he returns to the Red Devils.
"[Has there been a call from Mourinho?] Nothing yet! It's the biggest club in the world, that's my dream to play for the first team," he said.
"To hopefully go back and do that would be massive but if not there would be other options."
Ashley Fletcher is determined to fight for a place in the Manchester United first team, after earning comparisons with Marcus Rashford during a loan spell at Barnsley.
The 20-year-old netted a wonderful goal to send the Tykes back to the Championship during Sunday's League One play-off final.
Barnsley coach Paul Heckingbottom subsequently marked the loanee out as the next Rashford at Old Trafford, a mantle the youngster aims to live up to.
"I'll go back to United a better player and I thank Barnsley for giving me the opportunity to play games. I feel like I've progressed here and developed my game. I'll go back to Man United and see what I can do there," he told Sky Sports.
"It is something I'll relish [going back to United to compete for a place]. There are a lot of good young players coming through and I think they'll be buying some new players as well.
"For me to compete with other players will be great and really bring on my game."
Fletcher admitted he had not yet spoken to new manager Jose Mourinho, but he aims to make his mark once he returns to the Red Devils.
"[Has there been a call from Mourinho?] Nothing yet! It's the biggest club in the world, that's my dream to play for the first team," he said.
"To hopefully go back and do that would be massive but if not there would be other options."
Mourinho visits Man Utd's Carrington training ground for first time
Jose Mourinho made his first of what will be many trips to Manchester United's training ground on Monday, as he gears up to take the reins at the club.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss was spotted at Carrington making his first visit to the Red Devils' facilities, after agreeing to succeed Louis van Gaal last week.
Goal understands Mourinho spent a total of four hours at the site, accompanied by United transfer supremo Edward Woodward, agent Jorge Mendes and other club staff.
The visit included a meeting with Woodward in what will be Mourinho's new office at Carrington, which lasted one hour.
Among Mourinho's other tasks at the ground was an assessment of the club's training pitch and gym facilities, an area that Van Gaal was notoriously unhappy with upon his arrival in 2014.
He also stayed for a chicken lunch in the Carrington canteen, after a chat with head chef Mike.
Jose Mourinho made his first of what will be many trips to Manchester United's training ground on Monday, as he gears up to take the reins at the club.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss was spotted at Carrington making his first visit to the Red Devils' facilities, after agreeing to succeed Louis van Gaal last week.
Goal understands Mourinho spent a total of four hours at the site, accompanied by United transfer supremo Edward Woodward, agent Jorge Mendes and other club staff.
The visit included a meeting with Woodward in what will be Mourinho's new office at Carrington, which lasted one hour.
Among Mourinho's other tasks at the ground was an assessment of the club's training pitch and gym facilities, an area that Van Gaal was notoriously unhappy with upon his arrival in 2014.
He also stayed for a chicken lunch in the Carrington canteen, after a chat with head chef Mike.
Rashford: Playing for Man Utd means everything to me
Marcus Rashford has insisted it means "everything" to him and his family to be playing for Manchester United.
The 18-year-old striker signed a new four-year contract with the Old Trafford club on Monday having made a significant impact after his first-team breakthrough during the 2015-16 campaign.
And Rashford, who scored eight goals in 18 appearances for the Red Devils having only made his debut back in February, is delighted to have extended his stay with who he feels is the biggest club in the world.
"I am delighted to have signed a new contract," he told the club's official website.
"I have always been a Manchester United fan, so to be playing in the first team really is a dream come true.
"I am grateful for having the chance to prove myself. To be able to play football at the biggest club in the world means everything to me and my family."
Marcus Rashford has insisted it means "everything" to him and his family to be playing for Manchester United.
The 18-year-old striker signed a new four-year contract with the Old Trafford club on Monday having made a significant impact after his first-team breakthrough during the 2015-16 campaign.
And Rashford, who scored eight goals in 18 appearances for the Red Devils having only made his debut back in February, is delighted to have extended his stay with who he feels is the biggest club in the world.
"I am delighted to have signed a new contract," he told the club's official website.
"I have always been a Manchester United fan, so to be playing in the first team really is a dream come true.
"I am grateful for having the chance to prove myself. To be able to play football at the biggest club in the world means everything to me and my family."
France 3-2 Cameroon: Payet nets dramatic late winner for Euro 2016 hosts
A stunning injury-time free-kick from Dimitri Payet gave France a 3-2 friendly victory over Cameroon in Nantes on Monday.The West Ham midfielder curled a shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa just two minutes after the visitors had levelled the match at 2-2.
Blaise Matuidi's volley following a fine run from Kingsley Coman had put the hosts in front before Vincent Aboubakar levelled just two minutes later for a Cameroon side who posed a consistent threat on the break.
Olivier Giroud was booed by some supporters outside the Stade de la Beajouire, with several making their frustrations over Karim Benzema's omission quite clear, but he responded with a fine finish from a Paul Pogba cross for his fifth goal in four starts to put France ahead.
Giroud missed a good chance for a second but was given a largely warm reception when he was replaced by Andre-Pierre Gignac just after the hour, as France began to push forward in earnest in search of a goal to safeguard their third win in a row.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting equalised against the run of play in the 88th minute after a Laurent Koscielny error but Payet's superb strike secured a third win in a row for Didier Deschamps' side, who face Scotland on Saturday in a final Euro 2016 warm-up game.
The home side began brightly but Cameroon almost snatched the lead with 13 minutes played, Hugo Lloris forced to make a fine one-handed stop low to his left after Karl Toko Ekambi cut infield and aimed for the far corner.
France went ahead on 20 minutes with their first moment of real attacking quality. Coman skipped away from Edgar Salli down the left and clipped the ball towards the penalty spot, where Matuidi was on hand to volley left-footed past Ondoa.
But the lead lasted just two minutes. Nyom made amends for his earlier sluggish defending by drilling a fine low cross towards the six-yard box, and Aboubakar arrived unchallenged at the near post to turn the ball beneath Lloris.
Pogba spurned a great chance to put France back ahead, flashing a header wide of the right-hand post when unmarked 12 yards out, but Giroud made sure of an advantage before the break.Juventus star Pogba created space down the right before bending a superb cross towards the penalty spot, and Giroud steered a stylish first-time finish past Ondoa.
The Arsenal man was thwarted by Ondoa just before the hour mark after bustling his way into the penalty area, prompting a few more jeers from sections of the crowd, and Pogba saw a curling effort superbly clawed away by the 20-year-old goalkeeper before N'Golo Kante drilled the rebound wide.
Substitute Cabaye was denied by a sprawling Ondoa when picked out by a fine Payet pass, and they were hit with a sucker-punch a minute later, as Koscielny's slip allowed Choupo-Moting to latch onto Anatole Abang's pass and slot past Lloris.
But Payet had the final word, curling a fantastic free-kick beyond the reach of Ondoa from 25 yards out to secure the win.
A stunning injury-time free-kick from Dimitri Payet gave France a 3-2 friendly victory over Cameroon in Nantes on Monday.The West Ham midfielder curled a shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa just two minutes after the visitors had levelled the match at 2-2.
Blaise Matuidi's volley following a fine run from Kingsley Coman had put the hosts in front before Vincent Aboubakar levelled just two minutes later for a Cameroon side who posed a consistent threat on the break.
Olivier Giroud was booed by some supporters outside the Stade de la Beajouire, with several making their frustrations over Karim Benzema's omission quite clear, but he responded with a fine finish from a Paul Pogba cross for his fifth goal in four starts to put France ahead.
Giroud missed a good chance for a second but was given a largely warm reception when he was replaced by Andre-Pierre Gignac just after the hour, as France began to push forward in earnest in search of a goal to safeguard their third win in a row.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting equalised against the run of play in the 88th minute after a Laurent Koscielny error but Payet's superb strike secured a third win in a row for Didier Deschamps' side, who face Scotland on Saturday in a final Euro 2016 warm-up game.
The home side began brightly but Cameroon almost snatched the lead with 13 minutes played, Hugo Lloris forced to make a fine one-handed stop low to his left after Karl Toko Ekambi cut infield and aimed for the far corner.
France went ahead on 20 minutes with their first moment of real attacking quality. Coman skipped away from Edgar Salli down the left and clipped the ball towards the penalty spot, where Matuidi was on hand to volley left-footed past Ondoa.
But the lead lasted just two minutes. Nyom made amends for his earlier sluggish defending by drilling a fine low cross towards the six-yard box, and Aboubakar arrived unchallenged at the near post to turn the ball beneath Lloris.
Pogba spurned a great chance to put France back ahead, flashing a header wide of the right-hand post when unmarked 12 yards out, but Giroud made sure of an advantage before the break.Juventus star Pogba created space down the right before bending a superb cross towards the penalty spot, and Giroud steered a stylish first-time finish past Ondoa.
The Arsenal man was thwarted by Ondoa just before the hour mark after bustling his way into the penalty area, prompting a few more jeers from sections of the crowd, and Pogba saw a curling effort superbly clawed away by the 20-year-old goalkeeper before N'Golo Kante drilled the rebound wide.
Substitute Cabaye was denied by a sprawling Ondoa when picked out by a fine Payet pass, and they were hit with a sucker-punch a minute later, as Koscielny's slip allowed Choupo-Moting to latch onto Anatole Abang's pass and slot past Lloris.
But Payet had the final word, curling a fantastic free-kick beyond the reach of Ondoa from 25 yards out to secure the win.
Marotta: Juventus optimistic on Dani Alves deal
Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta says he is optimistic the club will sign Brazil full back Dani Alves.The 33-year-old looks set to leave Barcelona after eight years at Camp Nou, during which time he has won the Champions League on three occasions.
And Serie A champions Juventus appear likely to be Alves' next destination, with a deal possibly completed before the Copa America kicks off this weekend.Speaking with regards to his side's transfer plans, Marotta revealed their progress in negotiations for the former Sevilla man.
"I can confirm that negotiations with Dani Alves are on the right track - we are satisfied," the 59-year-old told Sky Sports. "We are very optimistic."
And Marotta also commented on potential moves for Alves' Barca teammate Javier Mascherano and Valencia's Andre Gomes."We are addressing the issue of Mascherano," he added."But this negotiation, and for Andre Gomes, will become more complicated."
Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta says he is optimistic the club will sign Brazil full back Dani Alves.The 33-year-old looks set to leave Barcelona after eight years at Camp Nou, during which time he has won the Champions League on three occasions.
And Serie A champions Juventus appear likely to be Alves' next destination, with a deal possibly completed before the Copa America kicks off this weekend.Speaking with regards to his side's transfer plans, Marotta revealed their progress in negotiations for the former Sevilla man.
"I can confirm that negotiations with Dani Alves are on the right track - we are satisfied," the 59-year-old told Sky Sports. "We are very optimistic."
And Marotta also commented on potential moves for Alves' Barca teammate Javier Mascherano and Valencia's Andre Gomes."We are addressing the issue of Mascherano," he added."But this negotiation, and for Andre Gomes, will become more complicated."
Morata: I want to succeed at Madrid, but Premier League offers are 'tempting'
Alvaro Morata has spoken of his desire to succeed at Real Madrid, but admits to being tempted by a potential Premier League move.Morata, 23, is expected to leave Juventus and return to the La Liga giants, who reportedly hold a buy-back clause.
The Spain international has been linked with a move to England, with Arsenal believed to be interested.But Morata said he was keen to succeed at home-town club Madrid, who celebrated a Champions League win on Saturday.
"Clearly that is what I would like. That is my wish, to succeed in Madrid," he told AS."But in Madrid there are great players. And what I want is to play and feel important."
However, Morata said a potential move to the Premier League was also worth thinking about.He scored 15 Serie A goals in two seasons at Juve, while netting seven times in the Champions League.
"There are some offers from England that are tempting, not only by contract," Morata said."I think for my characteristics the Premier League would also be a great destination.
"I'm saying a move to the Premier League would not be a step backwards. With what I have learned in Italy, if I have the chance to learn something more in England I think it would make me a more complete, better player."I'm 23 and all I want is progress, to play and learn from the best."
As for when he wants his future decided, Morata said he was hopeful it would be sorted before Spain's Euro 2016 opener against the Czech Republic on June 13.
Alvaro Morata has spoken of his desire to succeed at Real Madrid, but admits to being tempted by a potential Premier League move.Morata, 23, is expected to leave Juventus and return to the La Liga giants, who reportedly hold a buy-back clause.
The Spain international has been linked with a move to England, with Arsenal believed to be interested.But Morata said he was keen to succeed at home-town club Madrid, who celebrated a Champions League win on Saturday.
"Clearly that is what I would like. That is my wish, to succeed in Madrid," he told AS."But in Madrid there are great players. And what I want is to play and feel important."
However, Morata said a potential move to the Premier League was also worth thinking about.He scored 15 Serie A goals in two seasons at Juve, while netting seven times in the Champions League.
"There are some offers from England that are tempting, not only by contract," Morata said."I think for my characteristics the Premier League would also be a great destination.
"I'm saying a move to the Premier League would not be a step backwards. With what I have learned in Italy, if I have the chance to learn something more in England I think it would make me a more complete, better player."I'm 23 and all I want is progress, to play and learn from the best."
As for when he wants his future decided, Morata said he was hopeful it would be sorted before Spain's Euro 2016 opener against the Czech Republic on June 13.
'The old Memphis will soon be back' - Depay keen to impress Mourinho
Manchester United winger Memphis Depay has refused to blame former manager Louis van Gaal for his underwhelming performances in 2015-16 and is confident he will soon be back to his best.
The Netherlands international failed to live up to high expectations at Old Trafford after joining from PSV and spent the majority of the second half of the season on the bench.Depay does not want to point the finger at anyone, though, and has vowed to give his all in pre-season in order to win over new boss Jose Mourinho.
"It's never nice to be criticised, but it's part of the game and I have to deal with it. The season did not go as planned and that hurt my confidence a bit," the 22-year-old told Fox Sport."I do not want to blame the manager for it. I played some good games and some bad matches. I do not want to blame anyone for it. I have not been in touch with Van Gaal yet. I might give him a call or send him a text.
"It's now up to me to deal with this situation and get back on track. I think every attacker is intuitive. You have to make decisions on when to go for an individual action. The old Memphis, who beat every opponent, will soon be back again.
"I did not play as many games as I hoped and I am obviously disappointed about that. I had different expectations. But I have to deal with that."It's now on to next season. I have to prove my worth during pre-season."
Manchester United winger Memphis Depay has refused to blame former manager Louis van Gaal for his underwhelming performances in 2015-16 and is confident he will soon be back to his best.
The Netherlands international failed to live up to high expectations at Old Trafford after joining from PSV and spent the majority of the second half of the season on the bench.Depay does not want to point the finger at anyone, though, and has vowed to give his all in pre-season in order to win over new boss Jose Mourinho.
"It's never nice to be criticised, but it's part of the game and I have to deal with it. The season did not go as planned and that hurt my confidence a bit," the 22-year-old told Fox Sport."I do not want to blame the manager for it. I played some good games and some bad matches. I do not want to blame anyone for it. I have not been in touch with Van Gaal yet. I might give him a call or send him a text.
"It's now up to me to deal with this situation and get back on track. I think every attacker is intuitive. You have to make decisions on when to go for an individual action. The old Memphis, who beat every opponent, will soon be back again.
"I did not play as many games as I hoped and I am obviously disappointed about that. I had different expectations. But I have to deal with that."It's now on to next season. I have to prove my worth during pre-season."
Ibrahimovic hints at Malmo return
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has suggested he could make a surprise return to his boyhood club Malmo amid reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.
The evergreen Sweden striker is available on a free transfer after deciding to end his stay at Paris Saint-Germain following the expiry of his contract at the end of a season that saw him plunder 50 goals in all competitions.
Ibrahimovic, 34, has subsequently been linked with a move to the Premier League and United where he would be reunited with new manager Jose Mourinho, who he worked with during his time at Inter.
However, Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola recently downplayed claims his client is set to move to Old Trafford, stressing his next club will come as a surprise to many.
Ibrahimovic returned to his city of birth on Monday for Sweden's friendly against Slovenia which he was forced to sit out with a calf problem, but the former Barcelona forward hinted fans could soon see him in action again at the Swedbank Stadion."I love Malmo and I wish I could play," Ibrahimovic said in an address to fans before kick-off.
"I apologise for that, but I will [play here again], I will. Just wait for me."
Ibrahimovic started his professional career with Malmo, before leaving the Allsvenskan side for Ajax in 2001.
Bellerin named in Spain squad for Euro 2016
Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin has been named in the Spain squad for Euro 2016 with coach Vicente del Bosque having revealed 19 of his 23 players, with the final four to be announced this afternoon.
The 21-year-old was rewarded for an impressive season at the Emirates after being called up to the preliminary squad and made his debut against Bosnia in the 3-1 win on Sunday.
An injury to Dani Carvajal means Bellerin will now keep his place in the Spain squad with Del Bosque's side set to open their campaign against Czech Republic on June 13.
Del Bosque will reveal the final four men in his squad imminently with two from Sergio Ramos, Lucas Vazquez, Juanfran, Koke, Isco and Saul Niguez to miss out.
Spain's 19-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David De Gea (Man United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla).
Defenders : Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba, Marc Bartra (all Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Mikel San José (Athletic Club), Bellerín (Arsenal).
Midfielders : Bruno (Villarreal), Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta (both Barcelona), Thiago (Bayern), David Silva (Manchester City), Pedro, Cesc Fabregas (both Chelsea).
Forwards : Aritz Aduriz (Athletic), Nolito (Celta Vigo), Alvaro Morata (Juventus).
Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin has been named in the Spain squad for Euro 2016 with coach Vicente del Bosque having revealed 19 of his 23 players, with the final four to be announced this afternoon.
The 21-year-old was rewarded for an impressive season at the Emirates after being called up to the preliminary squad and made his debut against Bosnia in the 3-1 win on Sunday.
An injury to Dani Carvajal means Bellerin will now keep his place in the Spain squad with Del Bosque's side set to open their campaign against Czech Republic on June 13.
Del Bosque will reveal the final four men in his squad imminently with two from Sergio Ramos, Lucas Vazquez, Juanfran, Koke, Isco and Saul Niguez to miss out.
Spain's 19-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David De Gea (Man United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla).
Defenders : Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba, Marc Bartra (all Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Mikel San José (Athletic Club), Bellerín (Arsenal).
Midfielders : Bruno (Villarreal), Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta (both Barcelona), Thiago (Bayern), David Silva (Manchester City), Pedro, Cesc Fabregas (both Chelsea).
Forwards : Aritz Aduriz (Athletic), Nolito (Celta Vigo), Alvaro Morata (Juventus).
Ancelotti will not push out Gotze at Bayern - Khedira
Sami Khedira does not believe rumours that incoming Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti has told Mario Gotze he is no longer needed at the Allianz Arena.
Gotze's future with the Bundesliga champions remains shrouded in doubt with reports suggesting the attacking midfielder is surplus to requirements after struggling for form and fitness this season.
Goal understands Liverpool have cooled their interest in the World Cup winner after the 23-year-old recently stated his desire to stay and fight for his chance under Ancelotti.
Juventus midfielder Khedira, who worked with Ancelotti at Real Madrid, is adamant the Italian coach would never force any player to leave and expects his Germany team-mate to be given a fair opportunity.
"Carlo is not the kind of person to push out any players. On the contrary, he would like to keep his squad together," Khedira told Sport Bild.
"Mario is an experienced player despite his young age. Of course, he still has a thing or two to learn and develop personally. But I cannot imagine Carlo saying he does not want him in his team."I remember that Gonzalo Higuain wanted to leave Madrid, but Ancelotti did everything he could to keep him on board.
"He never told a player that he wanted him out. Only if a player personally tells him that he does not want to work with him, then Ancelotti will tell a player he can leave."
Sami Khedira does not believe rumours that incoming Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti has told Mario Gotze he is no longer needed at the Allianz Arena.
Gotze's future with the Bundesliga champions remains shrouded in doubt with reports suggesting the attacking midfielder is surplus to requirements after struggling for form and fitness this season.
Goal understands Liverpool have cooled their interest in the World Cup winner after the 23-year-old recently stated his desire to stay and fight for his chance under Ancelotti.
Juventus midfielder Khedira, who worked with Ancelotti at Real Madrid, is adamant the Italian coach would never force any player to leave and expects his Germany team-mate to be given a fair opportunity.
"Carlo is not the kind of person to push out any players. On the contrary, he would like to keep his squad together," Khedira told Sport Bild.
"Mario is an experienced player despite his young age. Of course, he still has a thing or two to learn and develop personally. But I cannot imagine Carlo saying he does not want him in his team."I remember that Gonzalo Higuain wanted to leave Madrid, but Ancelotti did everything he could to keep him on board.
"He never told a player that he wanted him out. Only if a player personally tells him that he does not want to work with him, then Ancelotti will tell a player he can leave."
Injured Reus left out of Germany Euro 2016 squadGermany have left Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus out of their final 23-man Euro 2016 squad due to injury.
Joachim Low has trimmed his squad and there is no place for the Borussia Dortmund star, with Karim Bellarabi, Julian Brandt and Sebastian Rudy also omitted.
The four players have now left the training camp in Switzerland where Germany are currently preparing for Sunday's friendly with Hungary ahead of their Euro 2016 opener against Ukraine.
Low confirmed that Reus is struggling physically telling a press conference: "It has been a bitter decision for us and for him [Reus], and a disappointment for us all.
"Marco Reus in a good shape and healthy and fit -that would have been a tremendous asset to our team.
"I thank the four players, they presented themselves very well in training, they gave everything and I hope they put away this disappointment well, it is not a decision against four players but a decision for 23 players."
Germany squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)
Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Emre Can (Liverpool), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Benedikt Howedes (Schalke), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia), Antonio Rudiger (Roma)
Midfielders: Julian Draxler (Wolfsburg), Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Leroy Sane (Schalke), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United), Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund)
Forwards: Mario Gomez (Besiktas), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray), Andre Schurrle (Wolfsburg)
Blind determined to fight for his place under Mourinho at Man Utd
Manchester United defender Daley Blind has vowed to fight for his place amid reports new manager Jose Mourinho is ready to offload the Netherlands international.
Blind has developed into a key figure at Old Trafford since joining the club from Ajax after the 2014 World Cup, but the departure of Louis van Gaal has cast doubt over his future at the club.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old is keen to work with Mourinho and is not thinking about leaving United just yet."I am looking forward to working with Mourinho. We will have to wait and see whether anything changes for me," Blind told NOS.
"I will just give my all and work hard. Mourinho is a manager who has achieved a lot and I am keen to work with him.
"I might not be as big as Pepe, but I think I have shown in the Premier League that I can hold my own defensively. We conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League and I think we got the most clean sheets. That's something to be proud of. I played nearly every game and that is a good feeling.
"You might be looking for a certain statement [about my future], but I will just give my all under Mourinho."Blind is currently recovering from a calf problem he picked up in United's FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace.
He consequently missed Netherlands' 1-1 draw with Republic of Ireland and will also sit out the friendlies against Poland and Austria.
Manchester United defender Daley Blind has vowed to fight for his place amid reports new manager Jose Mourinho is ready to offload the Netherlands international.
Blind has developed into a key figure at Old Trafford since joining the club from Ajax after the 2014 World Cup, but the departure of Louis van Gaal has cast doubt over his future at the club.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old is keen to work with Mourinho and is not thinking about leaving United just yet."I am looking forward to working with Mourinho. We will have to wait and see whether anything changes for me," Blind told NOS.
"I will just give my all and work hard. Mourinho is a manager who has achieved a lot and I am keen to work with him.
"I might not be as big as Pepe, but I think I have shown in the Premier League that I can hold my own defensively. We conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League and I think we got the most clean sheets. That's something to be proud of. I played nearly every game and that is a good feeling.
"You might be looking for a certain statement [about my future], but I will just give my all under Mourinho."Blind is currently recovering from a calf problem he picked up in United's FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace.
He consequently missed Netherlands' 1-1 draw with Republic of Ireland and will also sit out the friendlies against Poland and Austria.
Man Utd to offer Fosu-Mensah four-year deal
Manchester United youngster Timothy Fosu-Mensah is set to follow team-mates Marcus Rashford and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson in being offered a new four-year contract to stay at Old Trafford.
The 18-year-old utility player broke into the United first team under Louis van Gaal in 2015-16, starting four matches and coming off the bench on a further five occasions.
The Dutchman started both the FA Cup quarter-final replay at West Ham and the subsequent semi-final against Everton at Wembley, while also getting the nod for the key league clash against Tottenham in April.
And Goal understands that after seeing fellow starlets Rashford and Borthwick-Jackson sign deals tying them to United until 2020, Fosu-Mensah is set to follow suit after the club agreed to offer the midfielder/right-back a similar contract.
If terms are agreed between United, Fosu-Mensah and the player’s agents at Stellar Group he will earn a salary of around £20,000 per week, which comes in just short of the value of the contract Rashford signed earlier this week. Like his contemporaries, the former Ajax youth’s deal will also include a one-year option.
Along with Rashford and Borthwick-Jackson, Fosu-Mensah was one of the stars to emerge from the United academy during an injury crisis which robbed Van Gaal of many of his senior players last season.
And the reward for their excellent form is the prospect of continued first-team involvement under new manager Jose Mourinho.
Lyon open to selling Lacazette to PSG
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas would be prepared to sell prize asset Alexandre Lacazette to Ligue 1 rivals Paris Saint-Germain, providing the price was right.The 25-year-old scored 21 goals in the league in 2015-16 as Lyon claimed second place behind PSG thanks to a better goal difference compared to Monaco.
It was a third successive campaign where Lacazette has hit double figures, but it was not enough to earn him a place in Didier Deschamps' France squad for Euro 2016 - although he is on the standby list.
Goal understands West Ham have given up hope of signing the striker amid interest from PSG and Aulas admits he could leave this summer."If on August 28 we receive [a bid of] €80 million he will not leave," he told L'Equipe. "On the other hand, if they come to me in the days to come with an offer I cannot refuse then it is possible.
"If PSG are to win the Champions League they must have Alexandre, and they have the means to buy him, I would not say no."The price? Much more than the Parisian leaders expect."
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas would be prepared to sell prize asset Alexandre Lacazette to Ligue 1 rivals Paris Saint-Germain, providing the price was right.The 25-year-old scored 21 goals in the league in 2015-16 as Lyon claimed second place behind PSG thanks to a better goal difference compared to Monaco.
It was a third successive campaign where Lacazette has hit double figures, but it was not enough to earn him a place in Didier Deschamps' France squad for Euro 2016 - although he is on the standby list.
Goal understands West Ham have given up hope of signing the striker amid interest from PSG and Aulas admits he could leave this summer."If on August 28 we receive [a bid of] €80 million he will not leave," he told L'Equipe. "On the other hand, if they come to me in the days to come with an offer I cannot refuse then it is possible.
"If PSG are to win the Champions League they must have Alexandre, and they have the means to buy him, I would not say no."The price? Much more than the Parisian leaders expect."
Isco & Saul left out of Spain squadSpain coach Vicente del Bosque has left Saul Niguez and Isco out of his final 23-man squad for Euro 2016.The reigning champions named a 19-man group earlier on Tuesday, leaving four places available for six contenders from Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid following the Champions League final.
Sergio Ramos, Koke, Lucas Vazquez and Juanfran have made the cut, with midfield duo Isco and Saul missing out.
Juanfran's inclusion comes as little surprise given the injury to Dani Carvajal, which ruled him out of the tournament. Arsenal youngster Hector Bellerin was added as his direct replacement.
Saul has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Atletico but has yet to make a senior appearance for Spain, despite being called up for the first time for a friendly with Costa Rica last May.
Isco, meanwhile, has been used inconsistently by Zinedine Zidane during the second half of Madrid's season, although he did only miss two Liga games between January 9 and the end of the campaign."We've tried to get a balance in the squad," Del Bosque said following the squad announcement. "There are more who we could have taken.
"I haven't spoken with those who were left out personally. Everyone wanted to be there but we only have 23 positions. Every player on the list is there because we value them. The responsibility is ours."
