..::Football IV::..

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England can win Euro 2016, says Portugal boss Santos


Portugal head coach Fernando Santos believes England are among the favourites to win Euro 2016.Defending champions Spain, World Cup winners Germany and host nation France are rated as the sides most likely to win the European Championship.

Santos' Seleccao take on the Three Lions in a friendly on Thursday and, with captain Wayne Rooney leading young talents like Marcus Rashford, Dele Alli and Harry Kane into the summer showpiece, the Portuguese coach believes Roy Hodgson's men have a chance of glory.

"I've seen England play," Santos said. "They have talented players and they can win in France. England have big ambition, they are one of the favourites."They are one of the strongest teams in the world, both with individual quality and teamwork. The manager is very clever and it will be a tough match.

"We need to win in France, so it is not mandatory to win against England on Thursday, but there will be a fantastic atmosphere on Thursday and it's an important match, as we are representing Portugal."

Santos was also asked about his own team's Euro 2016 chances after new Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said Portugal are among the five teams that can win the tournament.

"Jose is an extremely ambitious coach like me, and he knows the value and the potential of the Portuguese team," he said. "His words are good, but we already expected that from him - a champion."

Portugal will be without captain Cristiano Ronaldo for the friendly in London following his involvement Real Madrid's Champions League success.But Santos is relishing the opportunity to see how his side copes in absence of their 31-year-old star.

"All my players are important," said Santos. "Portugal are not a one-man team and I want to test my whole squad."Ronaldo said he played 4,000 minutes this season but when they booked this match, we didn't know he would be playing in the Champions League final.

"Of course he's very important, like he would be for any other team in the world, but this is a good opportunity to play without him. I hope he will play seven games in France but we need to know how to play without him.

"All my players were tired and they have to rest physically and mentally. I'm not worried about this, because we are having good preparation."

 

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Di Maria: We can better consecutive final defeats

Angel Di Maria is hoping third time's the charm for Argentina at the upcoming Copa America Centenario after suffering heartbreak in their last two final appearances.

Argentina were defeated in a penalty shoot-out in last year's Copa America final against Chile, just under 12 months after experiencing an extra-time loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup decider.

Paris Saint-Germain attacker Di Maria missed the game against Germany through injury, and was forced off early in the first half in their loss to Chile with a hamstring complaint.

However, the 28-year-old remains encouraged by Argentina's achievements heading into the special-edition Copa America tournament in the United States, which begins on Friday."My only wish is to be able to play in the final. In that first one I wasn't there and in the second I started but got injured," Di Maria told AFA.

"We always have the obligation to win the title for the quality of players we have. We will do our best. "The monkey is on our back, more so because we lost the finals in the last two championships. But I think we did good in getting to two consecutive finals. We couldn't win but football is like that."

Argentina begin their tournament with a rematch of the 2015 final against Chile on June 6, before facing fellow Group D opponents Panama and Bolivia. Di Maria and Co. will be buoyed by their performance against Chile in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier in March, where they defeated the Copa champions 2-1 in Santiago.

"In the qualifying match we did things right and showed that in the final we could have won, we just missed it," he added."Hopefully we have another chance to make things right."

 

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Rashford ready to rock the Euros as his miracle rise continues


Even by the standards Marcus Rashford has set himself in 2016, the last week has been something quite special.

Handed an England debut on Friday, he netted within 138 seconds to become the nation’s youngest debut goal scorer in history. On Monday it was announced that his form with Manchester United had earned him a new four-year contract, and 24 hours later he was confirmed as one of Roy Hodgson’s 23-man squad to head to the Euro 2016 finals.

For a young man who started the calendar year as a regular in the under-18s at Old Trafford with occasional under-21 substitute appearances to add to his portfolio, Rashford has suddenly become one of the most talked-about footballers in the country. And as England gear up for their flight to France with a final friendly match against Portugal at Wembley on Thursday, his remains the name on everybody’s lips.

But there is a fear that Rashford’s rise will plateau somewhat in France. "In all honesty, I can't really see him playing,” admitted former England managerial candidate Harry Redknapp after Tuesday’s squad announcement.“We've got Kane, we’ve got Vardy, we’ve got Sturridge, we’ve got Rooney - I think [Hodgson] has got a lot of options up front.“I wouldn’t see Rashford getting a game and I’ll be surprised if he gets too much, if any, games personally.”

Yet there are others who see no reason why the 18-year-old’s sensational rise to prominence shouldn’t continue during the finals in France.

“He’s not been daunted by any of it, so this is another obstacle if he actually gets to play,” former England front man Emile Heskey told Goal. “But I don’t think he’ll care about that to be honest, he’ll just go out there and perform the way that he can.

“None of it has been any problem for him. He’s been a breath of fresh air for Manchester United because they were looking for strikers themselves, and he gives them something different.”

And England skipper Wayne Rooney is in agreement, telling a press conference on Wednesday: “For me, he doesn’t need much advice. Let him play. As a young lad, that’s how you’ll see the best out of him.

“Sure, in the future you can work on more advice, more instructions, but with some players you just have to let them play and I think he fits that category.”

Rashford has confounded expectations at every turn. Nobody could have predicted his two-goal salvo against FC Midtjylland on his debut, and within days he was making a mockery of claims that he couldn’t reproduce such form in the Premier League by bagging two more against Arsenal.

He delivered in a Manchester derby too, before also scoring a wonderful game-breaker in the FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham and going on to play in United’s semi-final and final victories at Wembley.

For a player barely three months into his senior career, he has taken to big-game situations like someone of vastly greater experience, with his England debut against Australia the latest example of his cool head in the most nerve-racking of environments.

With the likes of Rooney, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge to usurp, Rashford remains an outsider for significant game time in France. Yet there is no hard evidence that he is likely to do anything other than relish the responsibility of playing for England in a major tournament if he gets the chance.

Nothing that has been thrown at him this year has fazed him in the slightest, and Hodgson has included him in the party knowing that if he needs to call on the youngster then he has the mentality to perform.

Forget the Theo Walcott experiment of 2006, Rashford’s story could well end up being more reminiscent of Rooney’s in 2004. And the young man who has England talking may yet have the entire continent buzzing by July.

 

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OFFICIAL: Manchester City sign Ilkay Gundogan

Manchester City have completed the signing of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a four-year deal..

Goal reported in March that City had stolen a march on Barcelona and Juventus in the race to sign the Germany international. City will pay around £20 million plus add-ons for the 25-year-old.

Gundogan dislocated his kneecap earlier in May, prompting doubts City would follow through on their long-term interest but the Premier League outfit took the decision to sign the midfielder regardless.

As reported by Goal on Sunday, a deal was struck with Dortmund after months of wrangling over a fee and the Germany international becomes the first signing of the Pep Guardiola era at the Etihad Stadium.

"I’m thrilled to have signed for Manchester City,” he told City's official website."When I learned of City’s interest my heart was set on coming here and things have moved very quickly.

"I have loved my time with Borussia Dortmund and I would like to thank the club and the supporters for the five very happy years I spent there."They gave me a platform to play on and I became a better player because of the belief, patience and trust they showed in me.

"Now I have a new challenge and that is to achieve great things with City. The opportunity to work with a coach like Pep Guardiola is something I am really looking forward to and I am flattered to be the first signing the Club has made this summer.

"I can promise the City fans I will give everything to help us win titles both in England and the Champions League. These are exciting times.
"I have my best years ahead of me and I think we can achieve great things together. I can’t wait to begin this new chapter in my career.”

Gundogan even had a bit of fun with his Twitter followers and City fans in the moments leading up to the announcement, with the midfielder urging the club to 'Announce Gundogan!' via his social media feed.

City had identified Gundogan as a key summer transfer target, alongside the likes of Athletic defender Aymeric Laporte and Everton's John Stones.

Real Madrid's Toni Kroos and Juventus' Paul Pogba also featured heavily as City sporting director Txiki Begiristain started to prepare for the arrival of his former team-mate and colleague Guardiola.

They have acted quickly to sign up Gundogan, who will miss Germany's Euro 2016 campaign and City's pre-season with the knee injury sustained this month.

He becomes the second key Dortmund player to leave the club already this year, after centre-back Mats Hummels signed for Bayern Munich.

 

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Hoda sign 1kak​

 

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Hernandez: United and Madrid gave me no chance to shine

Coming off his best goal return in a season, Bayer Leverkusen striker Javier Hernandez said former clubs Manchester United and Real Madrid did not give him the opportunity to be "the star".

Hernandez won two Premier League titles and as many Community Shields in five years at United, while the Mexico international helped Madrid to Club World Cup glory in 2014 during his loan stint in the Spanish capital.

However, Hernandez was never a regular starter in Manchester or Madrid, utilised as an impact player off the bench.And after scoring 17 Bundesliga goals in his debut season for Leverkusen - 26 in all competitions - the 28-year-old lamented the lack of faith shown in him by United and Madrid.

"We all know the history of United and Real – European Cups, fighting for everything – but now I'm with the third-best team in the Bundesliga," Hernandez said in an interview with FourFourTwo.

"If I'd been given more chances at United or Real, I'd probably have been 'the star' there as well – we'll never know.

"I didn't have the chance. I never had the chance to play 20 games in a row so people could say: 'He's a good player who should stay' or 'He can't be the star – he's not a good player'.

"Ask the United fans. The numbers are there. I started only 85 games at United and I scored 60 goals [in total]. At Real, I started just 12 games and scored nine goals.

"At Leverkusen I've started 37 games and I have 26 goals. The difference is that Leverkusen want me on the pitch. The others didn't."

 

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Lewandowski in no rush to sign new Bayern deal

Robert Lewandowski has insisted he is in no rush to sign a new deal with Bayern Munich amid interest from Real Madrid.

The Poland international's agent, Cezary Kucharski, recently admitted they have held talks with the Champions League winners, fuelling speculation Lewandowski could be on the move ahead of next season.

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge quickly stressed the 27-year-old is not for sale at any price and the Bavarians are keen to hold on to the prolific striker beyond the expiry date of his current deal in June 2019.

The Bundesliga champions have already sat down with their top scorer on more than one occasion to discuss a renewal, but talks have so far been fruitless.Lewandowski remains calm about his future, though, and is adamant he has other priorities at this stage.

"There is no pressure [to agree a new deal]," the striker told Sport Bild when asked about a potential renewal."We have Euro 2016 coming up first. I have a lot of things on my mind. I am calm about it all."

Lewandowski joined Bayern from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in 2014 and has since developed into a key figure at the Allianz Arena.He scored 30 goals in 32 league appearances in 2015-16 to be crowned Bundesliga top scorer.

 

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Del Bosque: Spain will be in the firing line at Euro 2016


Vicente del Bosque knows that Spain will head into the 2016 edition of the tournament with a target on their back as they seek to complete a historic hat-trick.

Del Bosque continued his, and Spain's, glorious era of dominance on the international stage when he guided them to a comprehensive 4-0 final win over Italy four years ago - Spain in the process becoming the first country to successfully defend the title, after Luis Aragones had masterminded their triumph in 2008.A repeat performance in France this year would set them apart as the most successful nation in the competition's history with four titles.

And despite a disappointing World Cup showing in Brazil in 2014, where they exited the tournament at the group stage, the former Real Madrid boss still believes his team will be among the most revered sides in the tournament come June.

"We're the champions of Europe, looking to defend our titles. That fact alone gives us greater responsibility; people will see us as a team starting out as one of the favourites," he told Omnisport.

Del Bosque's side have been pitted in Group D, alongside Croatia, the Czech Republic and Turkey - three opponents that the 65-year-old believes will provide stiff competition as he plots a path to the knockout stages.

"The Czech Republic and Turkey qualified from the same group and Croatia are a great team," he added. "They're very experienced and have had the same group of players for a long time."Their squad has a great unity that makes them a dangerous side. We can't take any of our opponents lightly - they all deserve our full attention."

Turning his thoughts to the teams that he expects to provide a threat to Spain's defence of the trophy, Del Bosque believes that tournament hosts France will pose one of the most serious challenges, and not just because of their home advantage.

Lending weight to the Spain coach's prediction, the last time the French hosted the European Championship - back in 1984 - they defeated Spain 2-0 in the final.

"I believe there are many teams that can win the competition - France, for example, are a threat," Del Bosque continued. "First of all because they're hosts, but also because of the ability within their team."Germany are very strong, although they have the added pressure of being World Cup winners. England are also a good team, and so are Italy.

"Then you have Portugal, you can't forget about them - they have [Cristiano] Ronaldo, who is the best player in Europe. There are a number of teams."

 

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Barca chief confirms Dani Alves exit ahead of Juventus switch

Barcelona's technical secretary Robert Fernandez has confirmed that Dani Alves will leave the club this summer.

While no official statement has been made regarding the Brazilian's destination, Goal revealed on Monday that the full-back is set to join Juventus on a two-year deal.

And Fernandez told a press conference that the Brazil international has chosen to exercise his option to leave for free this summer after helping Barca to a Liga and Copa del Rey double.

"Dani Alves has decided to leave. It's a personal decision that we respect," he said.

"I don't like that Alves is leaving, he's an extraordinary player and is very loved, but it's his decision and we must respect it."

The Camp Nou outfit are keen on bringing Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin to the club this summer as they look for a replacement, though Fernandez denied planning a bid for the Spain international and insists they have the players at the club to cover Alves's departure.

"At right-back we have confidence in Aleix Vidal, he was signed for that reason. We also have Sergi Roberto."

 

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Fabregas wants Euro history with Spain to erase 'bad taste' of World Cup defence


Cesc Fabregas is determined to put Spain's humbling World Cup defence firmly in the past by making history at Euro 2016.

Vicente del Bosque's side failed to progress from the group stage in Brazil two years ago after defeats to Netherlands and Chile in their opening two matches.

Spain survived the early scare of losing to Slovakia to ease through their European Championship qualifying campaign - winning their last eight games without conceding - and they remain one of the favourites to lift what would be a historic third consecutive continental title.Fabregas is confident the quality at Del Bosque's disposal will be enough to see Spain reach at least the final in France this year.

"There's a bad taste in our mouths after what happened at the last World Cup," the Chelsea midfielder told Omnisport. "It looks like that experience soured the success we've had a little bit, but I believe this tournament can go well.

"I like to think we can still achieve a lot as a team. To be honest, with the talent, level of competition, and the quality we have, it would be a pity if we didn't do everything in our power to fight right until the end to reach finals, and fight for titles like the Euros and the World Cup."Fabregas accepts that, just like the World Cup, teams will be seeking to cause an upset against Spain given their success in previous tournaments.

"The main difficulty is that everyone will want to beat us, because we are the defending champions," he said. "We have to ensure that will make us stronger and help us to motivate ourselves because we know all teams want to beat us and know we are one of the favourites. "Like Germany, Italy, England, Portugal, all these national teams, it's between all of us to compete and try to reach the final."

Regardless of any additional motivation derived from trying to make amends for World Cup disappointment, Fabregas acknowledged the prospect of capturing a third European title in eight years has made the squad as hungry as ever.

"It would go down in history," he added. "It would be just amazing; it's something we have been dreaming about, the team and the country. I hope it will be possible."

Spain's Euro 2016 campaign begins against Czech Republic in Toulouse on June 13, followed by matches against Turkey and Croatia in Group D.

 

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Conte told to be 'more like Ancelotti than Capello'

Chelsea have urged incoming manager Antonio Conte to be more like Carlo Ancelotti than Fabio Capello when it comes to his English language skills.

Conte conducted his first interview in English since December with the BBC today and has reportedly been taking double lessons at Cheney Court in Bath in an attempt to be as fluent as possible ahead of his first official Blues press conference.

Capello struggled to communicate with his England team before his resignation in February 2012 while Ancelotti completed an English course before taking charge at Chelsea and communicated well with his players.

In his interview with the BBC which covered the national side's Euro 2016 preparations, Conte said: "We know that now in Italy it is not a good moment for our football, for the talent available because it is very very difficult to find young players who are very, very strong. We are working very very hard to become a good team."

Conte will take over in early July before Chelsea's pre-season tour of Austria and America after Guus Hiddink's temporary reign and Jose Mourinho's sacking in December.

Italy's first game of Euro 2016 will be against Belgium on June 13 in Lyon.

 

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Martial: Ibrahimovic would be great for Manchester United

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial says Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be a great signing for the Red Devils should he opt to move to Old Trafford this summer.Goal understands United are willing to make a massive offer to the Sweden international who is searching for a new club after ending a four-year spell with PSG.

Ibrahimovic and Mourinho have worked together previously during their time at Inter although the striker’s agent Mino Raiola has insisted recently he is yet to make a decision on his future.

However, speaking ahead of France’s friendly with Scotland on Saturday Martial admits he would be happy to welcome Ibrahimovic to Manchester."If Zlatan comes, it would be really good," he told reporters. "He is a great striker and he will bring us his experience."

 

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England 1-0 Portugal: Smalling heads late winner as Alves sees red for visitors

Chris Smalling's first international goal four minutes from time ensured England concluded their Euro 2016 preparations with a largely forgettable 1-0 win over 10-man Portugal at Wembley.

Roy Hodgson named captain Wayne Rooney alongside strikers Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy - marking the first time the attacking trio have started together.But the hosts lacked fluency for the most part as those star names and others grappled worryingly with unfamiliar positions on the eve of a major competition.

Fernando Santos' decision to rest star man Cristiano Ronaldo meant Portugal did not provide their anticipated threat before Bruno Alves showed little sign of the experience accrued over 85 caps when he flung himself through the air to kick Kane in the head 10 minutes before half-time.

England were unable to make their numerical advantage count before Smalling headed home a fine late left-wing cross from substitute Raheem Sterling to boost Wembley's flagging pre-tournament optimism.

Vardy's trademark harrying forced a poor clearance from Rui Patricio and, although Rooney was marginally offside when he forced the Portugal goalkeeper into a close-range save from Kane's resulting cross, it represented a promising start for the new-look forward line.

Former Manchester United winger Nani took the captain's armband and led the Portugal attack in Ronaldo's absence, but he hacked a shot wildly off target after capitalising on a slack pass by James Milner in the 18th minute.Rooney sent a header too close to Patricio from a Kyle Walker cross before the Tottenham right-back whistled a drive narrowly past the post.

These moments hinted towards England finding a rhythm otherwise absent from their play but the complexion of the contest changed in the 35th minute.

Kane, breaking forward from a right-flank role he appeared ill-suited to, was fortunate to escape a nasty injury when Alves careered towards him and caught his head with a flying boot, leaving referee Marco Guida with little option but to dismiss the 34-year-old.Fortunately for Hodgson, Kane showed no ill-effects from Alves' wild challenge.

There was no change in personnel for England at the interval and no subsequent upturn in their creative play – Eric Dier's dipping long-range effort offering Patricio a rare workout as the reduced numbers in front of him remained relatively untroubled.

Highly-rated Portugal midfield duo Renato Sanches and William Carvalho were unable to rouse the dour fare, a bustling run from the new Bayern Munich signing offering a glimpse of the excitement the match might have offered.

Sterling and Adam Lallana replaced Vardy and Rooney respectively to lend a more natural feel to England's 4-3-3 and Daniel Sturridge, on for Kane, flashed a 25-yard volley wide.

As his array of attacking talent continued to misfire, Hodgson was bailed out by centre-back Smalling, although numerous questions remain over his starting line-up for next Saturday's Group B opener versus Russia.Santos at least has the consolation of a further warm-up versus Estonia next week and Ronaldo's imminent return.

 

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Rooney: England must improve, but we are ready for Euro 2016


Wayne Rooney admitted there is plenty of room for improvement for England after they concluded their Euro 2016 preparations with a 1-0 win over 10-man Portugal at Wembley on Thursday.

Chris Smalling headed home Raheem Sterling's cross four minutes from time for a maiden international goal against a side reduced to 10 men for 55 minutes after Bruno Alves was punished for kicking Harry Kane in the head with a flying challenge.

England found it difficult to break Portugal down thereafter, however, struggling for fluency and creativity, and Rooney did not allow Smalling's late intervention to paper over the cracks.

"We won the game but it was always difficult. They went to 10 men and that [struggling against depleted opponents] can happen in football," he told ITV.
"We kept going and we got the win. That was obviously important to us. I thought we were the better team, I thought even at 11 v 11 we were the better team."We need to play better, we know that. But it's a good sign when you don't play as well as you can do and you win the game."

Rooney lined up in the same England starting XI as strikers Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy for the first time and the attacking trio largely failed to fire, with the Tottenham and Leicester City stars too often confined to duties out wide.

Hodgson's skipper confirmed that forward line-up is under consideration for next weekend's opening Euro 2016 Group B match with Russia but insisted England's destiny will be decided by more than three players.

"We didn't have many chances, any of us. It's something the manager is working on and Portugal made it difficult," Rooney explained."There are 23 men in the squad, it's not three players. It's 23 and it's about all of us."

Despite not always convincing in previous outings against Turkey and Australia, England head to France on the back of three consecutive friendly wins and Rooney added: "We are ready.

"We've made a lot of changes to the team and we haven't been at our best but we have won the three games, which is important - especially for a young team."

 

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BUMP

 

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AC Milan reject West Ham's offer for Bacca - agent

West Ham United have had a bid for Carlos Bacca rejected by AC Milan as the Colombian searches for European football next season, according to his agent. Bacca joined Milan from Sevilla at the end of last season, scoring 20 goals across all competitions in his debut campaign in Italy.

However, a seventh-place finish for Milan in 2015-16 meant the Serie A outfit miss out on European football for a second consecutive season.

Bacca's agent Sergio Barila confirmed West Ham have put in a bid for the 29-year-old, but Milan are not prepared to let their forward go easily. "There was an offer last week from West Ham which was rejected so we must wait," Barila told the Guardian.

"Carlos is very happy in Milan because it is a very big club and he has enjoyed his time there so far. But they will not play in European competition next season and that could be a problem.

"At the moment Carlos is training with the national team for the Copa America and it is likely we will have to wait for the new investors before anything can develop."

 

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Schweinsteiger: Mourinho is the best

Bastian Schweinsteiger is relishing the opportunity to work with new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, describing him as the best manager in European football.

Mourinho has been tasked with returning United to the Premier League summit after signing a three-year deal to replace Louis van Gaal last week.Veteran midfielder Schweinsteiger saluted the club's hierarchy for luring Mourinho - winner of three Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies among others - to Old Trafford.

"I think we did a great job getting Jose Mourinho to Manchester, one of the best coaches – if not the best – in European football," the 31-year-old said. "But we will get to the topic of Manchester United later.

"We are all happy that we got a coach like that, but right now the players are thinking more about the Euros not about United."Schweinsteiger is preparing for Euro 2016, where Germany will face Ukraine, Poland and Northern Ireland in Group C.

 

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Schneiderlin labels Benzema race claims 'sad'


France international Morgan Schneiderlin has hit back at Karim Benzema by claiming accusing national team coach Didier Deschamps of racism is "sad".
Algeria-born Frenchman Benzema was left out of Deschamps' final France squad for the upcoming Euro 2016, despite another good season for Real Madrid.

Benzema's involvement was always in doubt following a criminal investigation into his alleged involvement of blackmailing international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena, however the striker suggested an element of racism may have been at play in his exclusion.

While Benzema stopped short of calling Deschamps a racist in an explosive interview with Spanish newspaper Marca, the Madrid striker suggested that the coach had, "bowed to the pressure of a racist part of France".

But Manchester United midfielder Schneiderlin dismissed any possibility that Deschamps would base any of his decisions on race or religion, after he himself was only a late call-up to the squad following an injury to Lassana Diarra.

"When some accuse the coach of racism it is really sad," Schneiderlin said."Just know, seeing his selections, how he speaks to us, to realise that he is light years from being racist."In the group, there are different religions, different skin colours."It's sad to talk about this."

Despite the controversy, host nation France remain one of the favourites to take out the tournament having been drawn in Group A alongside Albania, Romania and Switzerland.

 

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Forlan: Cavani would be a good fit for the Premier League

With plenty of speculation surrounding Edinson Cavani's future, former Uruguay team-mate Diego Forlan believes he would be a good fit for the English Premier League. Cavani has been linked with a move away from Paris Saint-German for some time, with several clubs across Europe - including Juventus and Arsenal - among those reportedly interested.

Atletico Madrid has also been touted as a possible destination for the 29-year-old, with Cavani admitting he could see himself playing in Diego Simeone's side. However, Forlan believes if Cavani does leave the French capital, he possesses the necessary qualities to play in England's Premier League.

Asked if Cavani should leave PSG, former Atletico and Manchester United striker Forlan told ESPN: "If he's not playing regularly, then yes. He's a good player who scores consistently, he should be playing regularly. "Maybe Zlatan Ibrahimovic going will change things for him, but Cavani is a top player.

"He has all the attributes. He scores, he's quick, he shoots with both feet, he's good in the air. "Maybe he'd be good in England."Cavani is in the United States as Uruguay prepare to compete in the special-edition Copa America Centenario, which begins on Friday.

On Uruguay's chances of lifting a record 16th Copa America crown, Forlan said:
"Really good. It's a national team who like to play against the odds. We're used to being the underdogs, we're a country of three million and almost everyone is a giant compared to us.

"There are some American cities with a bigger population than our entire country.There are countries with access to more money and more players, but we use that as a strength and motivation. There's great unity in our national team - there has to be.

"We have some great players and a great team spirit. The players have played together for many years under the same coach. That gives us an advantage."

 

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Morata would welcome Alves at Juve

Alvaro Morata would welcome Dani Alves at Juventus after it was confirmed the right-back will leave Barcelona.On Thursday, Barca sporting director Robert Fernandez announced Alves would be departing Camp Nou following the expiration of his contract this month.

The Brazil right-back has been heavily linked with a move to Turin and Morata would relish the opportunity to play alongside him."Of course I would like to have Alves as a team-mate in Juventus," said the Spain international.

"We met on holiday once and he treated me very well, despite the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, and I appreciate that.

"He is one of the best in the world."However, numerous reports have suggested Morata could be on his way out of Juve before the 2016-17 season begins with a return to Real Madrid touted.The 23-year-old is in no rush to leave Italy, though.

"It is important to know where you're going to be next season, but I'm not worried about it," added Morata."I have a contract with one of the best clubs in Europe. I'm happy. I have not spoken with [Madrid coach Zinedine] Zidane."